ED NICHOLS is hoping his side can pull off a big ask with victories against Poole and Wimborne & Colehill to try and stay in touch with the top pack in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier Division.

Martinstown, who are 24 points behind their opponents, host a Poole Town side tomorrow (1pm) that are third in the table and just three points off league leaders Wimborne & Colehill after seven games.

Martinstown captain Nichols said: “I think it is a case of with the next two games against Poole and Wimborne, and where they are placed, if we want to continue our good start then they will be two big games in terms of if we win those two then we are definitely in touch with the top pack.

“We know that is a big ask because they are two of the best sides in the league and they have been for a few years now. We know they will be tough challenges.”

Poole have suffered just one defeat and last time out they coasted to a 87-run victory over Stalbridge.

Meanwhile, Martinstown are one place behind with four wins and three defeats and were beaten by 48 runs last time at Shroton.

Martinstown welcome back George Pope, Mike Kennedy-Barnard, Fraser Hill and Matt Camp in place of Will Maltby, Jack Kane, Monty Payne and Sam Hennessy.

Martinstown: Nichols, Williams, Kershaw, Pope, Andrews, Hill, Camp, Kennedy-Barnard, McNab, Read, Durant