DORCHESTER club captain Simon Mitchem says his side needs to maintain their consistency if they are to challenge for the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League title this season.

The county town side host bottom club Shillingstone at Dorchester Rec tomorrow (1pm) and Mitchem told Echosport he is aiming for consistent displays to get the most from his “talented” team.

He said: “At the start of the season we were disappointed with the games we lost. Once we got the win against Shroton we got confidence.

“We’re just trying to be as consistent as we can. We have got such a talented side it’s about being consistent. If we can do that for the rest of the season we will be there or thereabouts come the end of the year.”

Despite Shillingstone propping up the league table, Mitchem has no complacent thoughts coming into the game.

“It would be good to continue from where we left off last week. Shillingstone may be bottom of the league but they racked up 355 the other week so we won’t underestimate them, for sure.

“They may not score many points but their approach is very aggressive. They will certainly want to put one over on us so we won’t be taking things for granted.

“We want to do things right and look at ourselves first and foremost. It’s a case of playing how we know we can and I’m sure we’ll get the results if we do that,” he said.

With a plethora of bowling options for Mitchem to choose from, he is hoping Dorchester deliver another strong display with the ball.

He said: “Obviously we’ll be looking for our bowlers to produce the goods again.

“If we bowl how we can, we have the strength in depth in the bowling department to get the job done.”

Dorchester have opening bowler James Dunham in the side for a second week in succession after impressing with 4-13 against reigning champions Wimborne & Colehill. Mitchem described his presence in the team as a “massive boost”.

“Having James back and available consistently is great. When he’s on form he’s one of the best bowlers in the league so it’s a massive boost for us to have him back again,” he said.

Dorchester are set to pick from a squad of 12 players for tomorrow’s game, but Josh Richardson definitely misses out due to unavailability.

Dorchester (from): Belt, McKay, Mitchem, Caldwell, Clifford, Richards, Macklin, Owens, Dunham, G Foot, Roe, Walklett

n Dorchester Seconds take on Poole Town Thirds away from home in County Division Three tomorrow, aiming to bounce back from a defeat to Beaminster.

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