POOLE v WEYMOUTH

REJUVENATED Weymouth batsman Jim Ryall says his love for cricket has returned this summer.

Experienced Ryall, 49, is thoroughly enjoying the Seasiders’ renaissance under Kieron Wom-ble and his time playing for the Dorset Over-50s team.

Weymouth sit proudly at the top of the Premier One table and can strengthen their position with a fourth win on the bounce tomorrow (1pm).

Hosts Poole are playing well themselves but Ryall insists Wey-mouth go to Poole Park full of confidence after a strong run of form.

Ryall admits he didn’t expect his team to be where they are having finished one from bottom in the top flight last summer – but now they are there he feels they can go on to greater things.

“It’s not where we expected to be but we are playing some good cricket,” he said. “The likes of Simon Browne, Matt Lawes and Dan Hutchens have been bowling very well and the batsmen are starting to get runs.

“It has been a tough couple of years but we’ve got some good youngsters coming through now.

“Everyone wants to play at a higher standard so that brings competition for places.

“I’m playing Dorset Over-50s cricket as well and I’m and enjoying it, and I’ve fallen back in love with the game.

“We’ve done the hard work at Weymouth in beating the top sides.

“If we can stay in the top four after playing everyone twice then it’s anyone’s game.

“But it’s very tight and if you lose one game you could be struggling again.

“It’s a big few weeks now and if we can get two wins in the next three then we’ll still be in with a shout.”

The reverse fixture earlier this season was rained off so the sides won’t know too much about each other ahead of this weekend’s clash.

Ryall added: “It’s going to be a tricky game and they haven’t got the best track in the world at Poole Park.

“But we go there with confidence and when you’re winning it picks everyone up.”