MARTINSTOWN captain Ed Nichols is anticipating a battle at Sherborne to maintain their early momentum in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League.

Last time out Martinstown secured a superb 175-run victory at home against Swanage.

Nichols said: “I think it is going to be quite a challenge.

“It is a difficult place to go and play, because obviously we have got a really positive result behind us at the start of the season which gives us good momentum.”

Referring to Sherborne’s loss to Bere Regis on Saturday, Nichols said: “I don’t think it is that indicative of anything, I think they are going to challenge us all of the way. It should be a good game.”

Nichols hit a ton last time out, scoring an unbeaten 138 in their win over Swanage.

Sam Kershaw, Fraser Hill, Chris Read and Tom Pope are unavailable but Teddy Andrews will come back in.

New signing Sam Hennessy will make his debut for the side, after he moved to Dorset.

George Pope will also be available while Jacob Coombes comes into the squad from the second team, after he took 4-6 last week.

Martinstown (provisional): House, Williams, Nichols, Pope, Andrews, Maltby, Hennessy, Camp, Kennedy-Barnard, Durant, Coombes