MARTYN Richards has urged his charges to prove they are a side for the big occasion by earning victory over Parley for the first time in three years.

Dorchester have enjoyed third-place finishes in each of the last two Dorset Premier League campaigns, but have not won a game against the big two – Parley and Poole Town – since May 2009.

They also suffered a 60-run defeat against current leaders Wimborne & Colehill a fortnight ago and in order to keep their title hopes alive, the county town outfit must win at Dean Park tomorrow (1.30pm).

Richards, who misses out through unavailability, said: “Parley have a great batting line-up and a really good pitch but we have plenty of bowling options as well as a batting order that has finally hit a bit of form.

“So we are confident we have a good line-up and a good chance of winning the game.

“Parley have lost a couple already so they will be incredibly motivated to beat us.

“Recently we have not been able to beat the likes of Parley and Poole so tomorrow is the perfect opportunity to show that we can win in the big games. Everyone is certainly up for it.”

Stuart Voss and Steve Gerety are also absent tomorrow but on the plus side, Sean Fitzgerald and Pete Moxom return to the fold, with Aaron Oliver also earning a call-up from the seconds.

Richards added: “Stuart and Steve both have work commitments and I’m on holiday, so the three of us are out.

“But we’re delighted that Sean and Pete come back into the side. Sean has been a big player for us so far this season and Pete will open the batting in place of Steve.

“We are also calling up Aaron. He is a spin bowler and a good batsman and he’s done well in the second team this year.”

Dan Belt will once again skipper the side in Richards’ absence, with the latter saying: “Dan has been a brilliant vice-captain and he’s really come to the fore.

“He is brilliant on the field and well respected by the rest of the boys. I have lost both tosses when I have played this season so I’m sure all the boys will be much happier with Dan calling it this weekend.”

First and foremost, Dorchester will be hoping for favourable weather conditions between now and tomorrow afternoon.

Richards though is optimistic, adding: “If there is anywhere that you will get a game in this weekend then it’s Dean Park as they have great facilities and an excellent groundsman.

“I’m confident we will get a game in of sorts, so we will prepare as we would for any game.”

Dorchester: Belt, Dunham, Fitzgerald, Goodhew, Legg, Lewis, Miller, Moxom, Oliver, Power, Sibley.

* Dorchester Seconds welcome Christchurch to the Rec for a Dorset League Division Two encounter while the thirds visit Cerne Valley Seconds in Division Five North & West (both 2pm).