ANDY Mead could make a remarkable recovery in time to face Wimborne & Colehill tomorrow (1.30pm).

The Dorchester paceman sustained a hand injury while batting in last week’s disastrous defeat to Poole Town – a result which all but ended the county town side’s title challenge.

It was initially feared that the winter signing had broken a bone in his hand and would therefore miss the remainder of the Dorset Premier League campaign.

However, skipper Martyn Rich-ards may include Mead in tomorrow’s line-up at the Leaze.

He said: “We’re hoping Andy will be okay to play as his injury is not as bad as we first thought. It turns out that he hasn’t broken a bone in his hand so we’re waiting to see if he can play.”

Two men certain to miss out are Xenon Ellis (work commitments) and Hugh Pryce (holiday). Their places will be taken by batsman Ian Legge and spin bowler Joe Power.

Richards added: “Ian’s been doing well in training and he’s played for the first team before, so he knows what it’s all about. Joe has been bowling well for the second team, and did well for us when he played against Broadstone earlier in the season.”

Tomorrow’s hosts languish third from bottom in the table but were last week buoyed by an impressive victory over Stalbridge.

Richards said: “Wimborne beat Stalbridge last week and that’s a great result for them as Stalbridge were going well. Perhaps Wimborne have got some players back, which means we have got to expect a tough game tomorrow and take nothing for granted.

“We just want to bounce back and enjoy our cricket, as we all play the sport to enjoy it.

“Tomorrow will be our first trip to Wimborne’s new ground and everyone is looking forward to it. Our second team went there last week and came out on the wrong side, but hopefully that won’t happen to us.”

Dorchester: Gerety, Moxom, Haynes, Belt, Waite, Tweddle, Richards, Legge, Legg, Power, Mead.

* Dorchester Seconds can alleviate fears of a relegation dogfight with victory at home to fellow strugglers Witchampton tomorrow (2pm).

Ian Sibley’s side lie just 0.77 clear of Dorset League Division Two danger.

* The county town thirds visit Abbotsbury, hoping to keep their promotion hopes alive in Division Six (2pm).