WEYMOUTH head coach Paul Harding is anticipating a stern examination of his side’s title credentials this weekend.
The Monmouth Avenue outfit visit newly-promoted Salisbury Seconds tomorrow (3pm).
And after seeing the Wiltshire side pick up an 18-10 win at Warminster on the opening day, as well as destroy Weymouth’s second-string in the Dorset & Wilts Shield final last April, Harding is wary ahead of tomorrow’s Dorset & Wilts One South encounter.
He said: “I think they will be a good test for us. They came up last season and I did see them play our seconds in a cup final at the end of the season – they were very strong.
“They won their first game of this season last week so I think they will be a hard side to play.
“In previous years it has always been a tough fixture so to come away with anything will be a good result. If we play well then we’ve got a chance.”
Harding’s men already occupy top spot following last Saturday’s 29-7 triumph over Bournemouth Thirds.
However, he has immediately been forced to change his starting XV.
He added: “We have four or five missing so our resources are stretched this week. But I’m still happy with the side we will be putting out.
“We could do without the changes as it would be nice to play the same team and build on last week, but on the plus side we’re able to call up the likes of Dave Oakford, Craig North and John Leatham.”
Pat Merritt is also drafted in following his return from Canada while Dan Bowditch, Max Baudouin and Max Vallance are among those missing.
Dorchester travel to Corsham in Southern Counties South, aiming to build on their opening-day victory over Oakmeadians (3pm).
The county town side ran out 28-3 winners at Coburg Road and will be hopeful of recording back-to-back wins as they face a Corsham side that lost 58-28 in their curtain-raiser, albeit almost a fortnight ago.
Bridport, who suffered defeat in their Dorset & Wilts One South opener, entertain Westbury tomorrow (3pm).
And the Blues are expected to welcome back a host of key men for tomorrow’s clash.
Puddletown start their Dorset & Wilts Two South campaign with a trip to Poole (3pm).
And although there are doubts about the fitness of Toby Musgrove, Matt Roberts and Max Welch, the addition of new players to the squad during the summer means that the Villagers will nevertheless field a strong side.
Tom Yeatman will captain the team while new signings Aaron Fookes and Jeremy Michael-Beale are expected to feature.
Finally, Swanage & Wareham hope to gain their first win of the new season at fellow early strugglers High Wycombe (3pm).
* For the fifth year running, Puddletown RFC will host the annual Piddle Dash charity event.
The 6km sponsored run for men and boys is in aid of Prostate Action and the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, and is being held on Sunday, October 9 (10.30am).
With more than £25,000 raised so far the club is confident that with continued support it can break the £30,000 barrier this time.
For more details visit puddletownrfc.org.uk
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