WEYMOUTH captain Simon Browne is looking to move on from the “sickener” of a loss against Broadstone Seconds with a win against Christchurch at Redlands in County Division One tomorrow (1.30pm).

Needing seven to win from the final over, Broadstone scrambled the winning runs off the final ball, but Browne is seeking improvements in his side’s batting, which he felt was under par last weekend.

He said: “It was a bit of a sickener on the last ball of the innings but there were enough positives to take because we bowled and fielded well.

“We need to make sure we get enough runs on the board. Hopefully then we can defend a score or limit them to one we can chase.”

Browne told Echosport that Weymouth might be able to learn something from the way Broadstone batted in their reply.

“It’s a bit of mental application, making sure that people get themselves in and construct an innings. We don’t have to go for our big shots. When we’ve batted well we’ve had partnerships.

“It was interesting that they won the game because they batted well from one to 11. They had 20s and 30s and that makes the difference when you’re chasing 200,” he said.

“It’s about taking a bit of responsibility and saying “can I back myself to score 20, 30 or 40 runs?” which would bring our total on to something we can defend.”

Second-placed Christchurch have amassed 310 in each of their last two innings and Browne, whose side sit third, is expecting a tricky encounter.

“They turned us over last year in a low scoring game. They had a pretty decent attack and they’re one of the top sides in the league along with Bere Regis and Cerne Valley, so we know it’s going to be difficult,” he said.

Weymouth are set to make at least four changes for the Christchurch game, with Dean Janaway out due to a back injury and Paul Collins, Marco Nott and wicketkeeper Dave Blackman, who took three stumpings against Broadstone, all unavailable.

Top-order batsmen Tom England and Paul Payne return, with teenage all-rounder Dom Webb also coming back.

n Captain Pete Gordon’s Weymouth Seconds will travel to Bradford Abbas tomorrow in County Division Six.

The Seasiders’ second string are aiming to bounce back from a 21-run loss to Bournemouth Fifths by recording their third win of the season and currently sit third, two places and three points ahead of their opponents in the league table.

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830990

e: neil.walton @dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @Echosportneil