THE result of this top-of-the-table showdown won’t determine who wins the Premier Two title, but victory for Martinstown or Dorchester will given them a huge psychological boost with just six games of the season left.
Tomorrow’s fixture (1pm) is the last for the two clubs before the league splits – the top four and bottom four play each other home and away again to settle who finishes where.
Martinstown head the standings by six points from Dorchester, though the county town side got the better of the Premier Two leaders when they met in June.
Looking ahead to the encounter, Dorchester skipper Dan Belt said his men would be doing all they could to clinch a league double over their hosts.
“We will certainly be up for it, especially after losing last weekend,” he said.
“When you lose a game you try a hundred times harder in the next one to put it right.
“Martinstown are a good side and if they pick up 20 points then they will be a win ahead of us.
“We want to win to go back ahead of them, pull away from third and fourth, and take a little bit of an advantage into the last six games.”
He added: “It’s another local derby and I think it will be a good match.
“They’ve got a good wicket up there which should produce a lot of runs.
“We’re all looking forward to it and we’ll do what we can to be in the best possible position going into the play-offs.”
James Dunham and Joe Power are unavailable for Dorchester.
However, all-rounder Will Caldwell returns to the side after missing the defeat to Bere Regis.
In County Division Two, Dorchester Seconds host leaders Cerne Valley.
Beaminster are home to Bournemouth Thirds and Portland Red Triangle go to second-placed Cattistock.
Bridport visit Hamworthy Recreation Seconds in Division Three, while Portland Red Triangle welcome Abbotsbury to Reforne in Division Four.
Silverware is still up for grabs for Charlton Down in Division Five and they will look to improve their title chances at home to Poole Town Fourths.
Beaminster Seconds finish a disappointing season in Division Six with a tough match at Bere Regis Seconds.
Dorchester 1st XI ball sponsor: SGM Hair Salon
2nd XI ball sponsor: The Dorset Wine Company
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