Super test in store for Dorchester (From Dorset Echo)

Super test in store for Dorchester

5:30pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in Sport By David Williams, Sports Reporter

DORCHESTER head coach Martin Oxland may have one eye on a tasty-looking local derby against Weymouth next month, but Saturday's away clash with Supermarine (2.30pm) is just as important.

That’s because Dorchester are currently on a run of five straight losses and although they are taking on the side at the foot of the Southern Counties South table, Oxland knows ending that streak won’t be easy.

Tonight's training will give Oxland the chance to see which players he has available given that it was originally supposed to be a free weekend for the county town club.

But with the fixture washed out last Saturday, a quick rearrangement means that not all of the Dorchester squad will be putting their feet up on Saturday afternoon.

On paper, Dorchester should be coming away from Swindon with a win but selection issues and the fact Supermarine are fighting to avoid finishing bottom of the league makes the visitors’ task that much harder.

“At the start of the season players look at the calendar and make arrangements around vacant fixtures so we’re struggling for regular first team players,” said Oxland.

“But the guys I’ve got in mind to come in have experience of playing at first-team level and there is no reason not to be optimistic.

“I’m hoping the second team players can step up to the mark and I’m also looking at taking a couple of Colts to give them some experience.

“Supermarine are bottom of the table but Weymouth went up there and lost so they are not to be under-estimated.”

Missing for Dorchester will be the likes of centre duo James Baker and Joe Newton, both regulars in the side this campaign, while scrum half Joe Costigan is also unavailable.

Bridport will aim to bounce back from defeat at Salisbury Seconds as they go to Warminster in Dorset & Wilts One South (2.30pm).

Ricky Stubbs’ men picked up a bonus point against Salisbury and thrashed Saturday's opponents 43-3 on the second weekend of the season so they have reason to be confident.

Warminster only have one win in their last seven outings and are two places off the foot of the division with Bridport in sixth.

Elsewhere, Weymouth, Puddletown and Swanage & Wareham do not have games and return to action next weekend.

Dorchester Ladies could have their work cut out on Sunday when they come face-to-face with Cullompton, the leaders of National Challenge South West North Two.

Commenting on the top versus bottom encounter, Dorchester team manager Jeanette Thompson said: “It will be a tough match away from home but we will be fielding an experienced team thanks to the return from injury of fly half Tina Haskings.”

Meanwhile, there will be a fun ladies’ taster session at the club next Wednesday (7.30pm) where anyone interested in taking up the sport can have a go as well as finding out about the end-of-season tour. Contact Jeanette through the club’s website for details.