DORSET will be hoping to improve on last summer's disappointing showing when they open their Minor Counties Championship campaign against Cheshire on June 1.

The county finished third from bottom of the Western Division in 2002, losing four of their six outings, while two were tied.

Stuart Rintoul's men also failed to impress in the knockout competitions with a run-rate victory over Cornwall at Chapel Gate in the ECB County competition being their only success.

"It should be borne in mind that we came up against some formidable sides last year," said Rintoul, "and therefore weren't disgraced. In order to compete on equal terms in the future, one option is to go for the professional hired guns approach, as several of our opponents chose to do.

"But I for one don't want to play in a side where eight of the home team have to stay in hotels because their homes are at the other end of the country."

Rintoul says he favours encouraging young talent such as Weymouth's highly talented batsman, Ben Lawes.

He added: "Fewer young players seemed to come through last season compared with previous years. Because of this, we were forced to turn on many occasions to older players, whose time is more pressured.

"Players like Ben Lawes made an impact during his record-breaking partnership against Wales with Darren Cowley, and he should be looking to score many more Minor Counties runs in the future.

"We do need however some more of the young talent in the county, and there is plenty out there, to show the commitment and enthusiasm of their elders. I expect

and hope those players will use their talents to the full."

He continued: "If the youngsters do come through and show their talent on a consistent basis, there is no reason why the side should not be successful this coming summer."

Aside from Lawes, the western end of the county is also represented in the Minor Counties set up by Dorchester-based vice-skipper, Sean Walbridge and Weymouth medium pacer, David Trotter.

Others likely to break through this season include Seasiders Dean Janaway and Dan Belt and county town batsman, Ian Sibley.

Fixtures

(Play commences 11am unless stated)

Minor Counties Championship

June: 1-3 Cheshire (A)

22-24 Shropshire (H)

July: 13-15 Berkshire (H)

27-29 Oxfordshire (A)

August: 3-5 Devon (A),

17-19 Wiltshire (H)

September: 7-9 Championship final