Dorchester Cricket Club is in line to receive another big cash boost from the lottery-backed ECB Community Club Cricket Development Fund.

Club officials had a "very favourable" meeting with a Sport England advisor at the town's Recreation Ground and spokesman Peter Tucker said they were "highly optimistic" that another £35,000 grant would be coming their way later in the year.

"We will know by the end of June whether our bid has been successful," said Tucker. "If it is we will be able to get on with plans to further improve the Rec by adding a three-bay artificial practice area and a new artificial wicket."

The Government-backed fund has already given the club £10,000 which was spent on re-laying the square.

"The advisor was very impressed with the kind of progress the club is making in many areas and it is clear that Dorchester will become a focus town not only for club cricket but also for the district and eventually the county as well."

Plans for an electronic scoreboard and new covers are also progressing well and it is hoped that all the improvements will be completed in time for the start of the 2005 season.

Meanwhile the club's Dorset Premier Division team will be captained in the coming season by Simon Joslin.

The Dorchester prison officer, whose father David was recently appointed as the side's first match manager, took over from Tony Foot at the club's annual meeting. Foot becomes vice-captain.

Simon Joslin has previously captained the club's Sunday side and second team, but this will be the first time he has led the senior side.

"Last year he became a qualified coach and I think I'm right in saying it is the first time our first eleven captain has been a coach," said Tucker. "We don't see any problems in having a father and son partnership in charge of the side. We think they will make a great partnership."

Weymouth player David Trotter was re-elected secretary of the county town club, although he plans to relinquish the post shortly.

He told Echosport: "I have informed Dorchester of my wish to stand down as secretary but have agreed to continue until either a replacement is found or until the next month's committee meeting - which ever comes first.

"I have worked hard for the club in the role of secretary but I feel it's time to move on and make way for someone with fresh ideas."

At the meeting David Joslin thanked the secretary and other members of the executive committee, especially Bill Sibley and Pete Tucker, for the immense amount of time and effort they had put in to ensure the club moved forward with a positive attitude.

It was agreed that the Dorset Disabled Cricket Club would be officially

affiliated to Dorchester CC and their representitive Gordon Pickersgill was introduced to the meeting.

"They are hoping that their affiliation to our club will spread the word and encourage other disabled players to come and play cricket for them," said Mr Tucker. "We plan to try to increase their numbers through our website and other media connections in a joint effort."

Appointments made at the meeting were: First team captain: Simon Joslin; Vice-captain: Tony Foot; Second team captain: Andy Ross; Vice-captain: Colin Edney; Secretary: David Trotter; Club coach: Simon Talbot; First team match manager: David Joslin; President and treasurer: Doug Read; Chairman: Bill Sibley; Finance chairman: Pete Tucker

* From Wednesday, March 17 the cost of indoor net sessions at St Osmund's Sports Centre will be reduced to £3 for senior players as agreed at the annual meeting.