BERE Regis captain Rich Cole feels his team’s Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League derby with Dorchester at Bere Regis Rec tomorrow (1pm) is one of the “highlights on the calendar”.

Cole’s men were soundly beaten by 87 runs in the reverse fixture in May, but the skipper feels previous results in Dorset’s top division mean any team is capable of winning on their day.

Bere, who currently sit in fifth, 32 points behind Dorchester in third, have won four of their last five games, while Dorchester have experienced mixed results so far in July.

Cole said: “They’ve had a few results that have surprised me in the last month. Losing to Stalbridge was an interesting one.

“It just shows that in any game, anyone can beat anyone in this league. It’s a local derby and everyone is looking forward to it – it’s one of the highlights on the calendar.”

Cole also believes Bere’s form is irrelevant, adding: “I don’t think form really makes too much of a difference in this league.

“When you’re talking about a team that can put out match-winning performances from a variety of different people, things can change when you’re over the white line.”

Bere make two changes to the side that beat Stalbridge last time out, with Rob Cole and Sean Walbridge replacing the unavailable Rich Payne and Jacob Kennard.

Meanwhile, Dorchester captain James Dunham feels the “most talented” team will emerge victorious with conditions at Bere Regis notoriously good for both batsmen and bowlers.

Dunham, whose side sits just nine points behind leaders Poole Town, said: “We’ll just take each game as it comes with seven games left and try and get the maximum number of points to make the top of the league a bit more interesting.

“Last week we played really well against Swanage and it would be good to win against Bere Regis. It’s a nice ground to play at, it’s quite a true pitch.

“It’s always an advantage when you can trust the pitch and outfield, so whichever team is the most talented will come out the winner.”

Dorchester will make two batting changes, with Dunham adding: “Quenton Miller and Eiron Fitzgerald are unavailable, so we’re bringing in Will Caldwell and Will McKay, very talented players.

“Both offer a bit with the ball as well, very handy off-spin, It’s a captain’s dream to have two players who can bat and bowl the way they can.”

Bere Regis: M King, Rob Cole, Murphy, Goodhew, Griffiths, Rich Cole, Walbridge, G King, Brown, Moss, Keegan

Dorchester: Caldwell, Morris, Mitchem, Anderson, Belt, Macklin, McKay, Richardson, Dunham, Walklett, Roe

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