SHERBORNE v DORCHESTER

DORCHESTER coach Sean Fitzgerald has given his side’s excellent run of form a big thumbs-up, but not literally though, as he could struggle to do that given his current injury problems.

Fitzgerald has recently had operations on both his thumbs, leaving the 51-year-old wicketkeeper a frustrated figure on the sidelines.

He broke his left thumb during a game in May, nearly a year after suffering the same injury, and then dislocated his right thumb in an accident while coaching.

One plaster cast was followed by another but now both are off and the rehabilitation process begins.

Unfortunately for Fitzgerald, his absence from the Dorchester team has coincided with their run to the top of the Premier Two standings.

But while disappointed to be out of action, the county town veteran is delighted with the side’s performances.

And they travel to title rivals Sherborne tomorrow (1pm) with the aim of consolidating first place in the league – Dorchester captain Dan Belt has named an unchanged side for the clash.

“I think the bowling unit has been exceptional,” he said. “In most of the games we’ve taken 10 wickets which has been very pleasing.

“We’ve shown strength in depth in the batting, though we haven’t been firing on all cylinders yet, and the younger players are coping really well under pressure at the top of the table.

“We now need to make sure we are in the top four at the cut-off point and keep the momentum going.”

He continued: “The likes of Pete Moxom, Mark Derrien and Simon Joslin did a tremendous amount of work to get the club back on a strong footing behind the scenes during the winter.

“It’s up to the players now to repay that work and, if we play to our strengths, we shouldn’t have too many problems against Sher-borne.”

Speaking about his own trials and tribulations with injuries, Fitzgerald said he would use the winter to assess his plans for next season.

“It has been really frustrating,” he added. “I can’t drive at the moment and I’m unable to get to training or matches, so it’s a double whammy.

“I’m getting towards the end of my career now and can’t afford to miss too many games.

“I’ll have a think in the close season about what I’m going to do and If I’m going to be a batsman and not keep wicket then I have to ask myself whether I’m good enough just to do that.”

Dorchester Seconds host Bea-minster in County Division Two.

Dorchester: Belt, Moxom, Caldwell, Miller, Guppy, Power, Dunham, Mitchem, Scott, Foot, Morris First team ball sponsor: Number 35 Coffee House & Kitchen Second team ball sponsor: Cafe Jagos