BROADSTONE SECONDS v DORCHESTER

ALL eyes, including Dorchester skipper Dan Belt’s, will be on the weather forecast again this weekend as the region’s cricketers hope they don’t suffer another washout like last Saturday’s.

Just one game survived the wet weather six days ago with Dorchester’s home clash against Sherborne biting the dust.

And that cancellation last time out was one which particularly frustrated Belt, who felt the outcome would have acted as a good barometer for Dorchester’s Premier League Two season.

It was also another home fixture lost for Belt and his men.

“We still haven’t played at home,” he said. “I went down to the ground in the morning and the square was flooded.

“Even though the wicket may have been reasonably dry, the square was soaking wet.

“It’s tough at the moment, especially because we can’t train due to the weather.

“It can be hard to keep the players’ motivation up during the week, but they are still very keen and want to play.

“Last week’s game was one of those we really wanted to play because Sherborne have got off to a good start and we fancied testing ourselves against them.

“We hoped to get the win and go back to the top of the table.”

Their starting line-up for tomorrow’s trip to Broadstone Seconds (1pm) is exactly the same as that which would have taken on Sherborne.

Wicketkeeper Sean Fitzgerald continues his recovery from a broken finger with Fergus Guppy set to deputise behind the stumps.

Although Dorchester have travelled to Broadstone a number of times in recent seasons, it is their opponents’ first XI that they are more used to playing.

“We won’t be sure what are opposition will be like so we’ve got to focus on what we do and not worry about them,” added Belt.

In County Division Two, Dorchester Seconds entertain Stalbridge Seconds and Beaminster go to Cerne Valley, Bridport host Poole Town Thirds in Division Three, and Beaminster Seconds have home advantage for their Division Six clash with Stalbridge Thirds.

Dorchester: Belt, Moxom, Caldwell, Scott Guppy, Power, Dunham, Mitchem, Morris, Phillips, Foot

First XI match ball sponsor: The Horse With The Red Umbrella

Second XI match ball sponsor: Number 35 Coffee House & Kitchen