DORCHESTER’S first and second team return to action with two local derbies against Sherborne and Bridport respectively.

Tonight sees the county town first XV travel to Sherborne in Dorset & Wilts One South (7.30pm).

With injuries to Dorchester regulars Steve Tucker, Matt Read and Simon Pengelly, as well as Joe Underhill unavailable after an operation, a number of players make a return to the team.

Matt Antell comes into the front row and Luke Doherty adds cover on the bench, whilst Rich Deakin and Callum King return to the back division. Etienne Peach also adds to the attack from the bench.

The club’s second XV entertain rivals Bridport at Coburg Road tomorrow (3pm).

Rob Parker’s men see Leo Ansell and Zak Paton added to their strike force and Tom and Dave Gower take to the pitch together one more time.

Coach Ben Parker said: “Training has been good this week. With new faces from Return to Rugby training with the senior squad for the first time, this adds to the depth we are building in our squad going into next season.”

Other games at Coburg Road over the weekend see the club’s under-14s take on Swanage & Wareham and the Colts play Marlborough.

*The club would also like to wish the Thomas Hardye School under-15s the best of luck in the NatWest Schools final at Twickenham on Wednesday. The vast majority of these players are the core of Dorchester’s own under-15 side, coached by former first-team player Mike Sprules.