IAN Sibley has been appointed the new coach of Dorchester Cricket Club.

The 25-year-old opening batsman takes over the post from former Danish national coach Simon Talbot who has quit the county town club to concentrate on developing his role with Somerset CC.

Dorchester's club captain Mark Derrien paid tribute to the work which Talbot, an ECB Level Three coach, had put into the club since joining them from neighbours Weymouth three seasons ago.

"He has been a good role model and we will miss him both on and off the field," said Derrien. "He has been our best bowler throughout his time with us. He is very professional in his approach and outlook and has put in a lot of time coaching on an unpaid basis which has benefitted the players no end.

"Unfortunately he has been a bit restricted in his bowling after suffering an achilles injury and is now looking to play less and coach more. We wish him well and hope he achieves his aim with Somerset."

Derrien said Sibley plans to bring "a different direction" to coaching at the club.

"Simon did a lot of work on group exercises and fielding drills whereas Ian will concentrate on working one-to-one and helping individuals iron out any problems they are having with technique."

He said the appointment of Sibley, who holds a Level Two coaching badge, heralds a new youthful era for Dorchester, "We have also appointed Martyn Richards to take over Ian's position of first team vice-captain with a view to him replacing me when I leave at the end of the coming season to concentrate on my family and my football refereeing," he added.

"He is a young lad who has quickly gone from being a fringe player to a batting stalwart. He has the respect of the changing room and we are sure he and Ian will work well together."

Dorchester are holding a pre-season get together at the Recreation Ground on Saturday from 10am to noon "Any prospective new players of all ages and abilities who would like to come and make themselves known will be made very welcome," said Derrien. "We will be laying on some light refreshments and we also plan to do some light work around the ground and pavilion.

"The club's new sponsored playing shirts will be available for purchase and we would recommend early attendance so as not to be left disappointed.

"We are fortunate to once again have SEC as the club's main sponsor and they are providing our new senior playing shirts which will be available for purchase on Saturday.

"We would like to thank Sean Hearn and Ian Pollock of SEC for their generous contribution to the club," he added.

"We also have a playing shirt sponsor for the junior sections of the club and would like to thank Weatherbury Hearn for their generous support."

Indoor practice for the club's senior and under-15 players will be at St Osmund's Leisure Centre on April 7, 14 and 21 from 10am to noon.

Subject to the weather, outdoor practice will start on Tuesday, April 3 in the club's superb new nets at the Rec.

All practice this season will be at the cricket ground for all ages as follows: Monday: Under-13s, 6.15pm to 8pm; Tuesday, seniors and Under-15s, 6pm to 8.30pm; Wednesday: Under-11s, 6.15pm to 8pm; Thursday: Under-15s, 6.15pm to 8.15pm.

Contact numbers for players wishing to play for Dorchester and to attend training sessions are as follows: Under-11, Simon Roles 01305 264980; Under-13, Tony Foot 07812516345; Under-15, Tommy Tucker 01305 268172 .