MARTINSTOWN will aim to get the basics right in their Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League clash with 2015 champions Sherborne away at the Terrace tomorrow (1pm).

Captain Ed Nichols is looking for his side to execute the “fundamentals” and break a run of five defeats, stretching back to mid-May.

He told Echosport: “So much of cricket is about doing the fundamentals – getting the basics right.

“I think if we can get that win, two or three will follow but the first one is always going to be the hardest.

“It’s not a disaster because the talent is there, it’s about taking opportunities.”

Local neighbours Dorchester face bottom team Shillingstone tomorrow but Nichols has been surprised by the North Dorset outfit’s batting form, having blasted 355-5 against his charges.

“It’s surprised me with their batting because of what they have done against us.

“They’ve got out for 150 nearly every week, which is a shock. If they only get 100 and one point every game, we will just keep pushing and picking up the points.”

Martinstown are set to make at least two changes to the side that lost to Stalbridge by 59 runs.

Fraser Hill and all-rounder Rob Willway miss out, with only Matt Camp confirmed as returning to the matchday squad at the time of writing.

Sherborne have proved a testing opponent for Martinstown in recent times, with the two sides enjoying some memorable scraps.

Most notably, the corresponding fixture last season when Martinstown reduced the then defending champions to 28-7, before they recovered to 140 all out and dismissed the visitors for 130.

“Sherborne is quite a peculiar one. We have had some low scoring games. We’ve had them out for sub-150 several times and they are often close games.

“It might come down to finding that bit of grit to get over the line.

“Obviously they were the champions the season before last. They are a very tight group and it’s a really settled side. They know their strengths and the conditions very well.

“Last year we had them 28-7 and they battled back. For us it’s about being disciplined to take our chances and not let them get back because they have players who can do that,” Nichols said.

n Martinstown Seconds have a bye weekend but return to County Division Five action away to Poole Town Fourths on July 1 aiming to earn a victory after a tense one-wicket loss at Witchampton Seconds last time out.