DORCHESTER v MARTINSTOWN

MARTINSTOWN will do their best to play the role of party-poopers in the big derby showdown at Dorchester Rec tomorrow (1pm).

The host club is putting on a barbecue, music and other refreshments for spectators during the Premier Two match, as they look to make the most of the summer sun.

And home advantage is something Dorchester will want to take advantage of again following their win against Bere Regis last Saturday.

However, Martinstown are flying at the top of table with 88 points from their first six fixtures, none of which they have lost.

But Dorchester are not that far behind the leaders in third place, having only lost once themselves in half-a-dozen outings.

For Dorchester skipper Dan Belt, the area his charges need to improve on is their batting.

They had posted some decent scores this season batting first until being bowled out for 126 by Bere Regis.

“Batting better is our main aim this week,” he said. “We need to get runs on the board if we bat first and let that win the game for us.

“Martinstown have got capable batsmen but we want to put right what went wrong last weekend.

“I’ll be looking for more of the same from the bowlers.

“We took wickets at regular intervals against Bere Regis but we know there could be periods tomorrow where we have to dig in.”

Belt has had to make one change to his starting XI with Phil Morley replacing fellow bowler James Dunham.

Commenting on Dorchester’s opponents, Belt added: “Martins-town have come up through the leagues and are doing really well.

“It’s a big game between two teams that are situated close to each other, and they are top of the league as well.

“We want to try and get into them as much as possible and pick up another win.”

Dorchester: Belt, Caldwell, Moxom, Miller, Guppy, Scott, Mitchem, Morris, Foot, Power, Morley

Match sponsor: Vivo Lounge

Match ball sponsor: The Drawing Office