CAPTAIN Mark Smith believes the painful memories of last year’s toil will ensure complacency does not become an issue for Bridport.

The Brewery Field outfit, who commenced their Dorset League Division Three campaign with an eye-catching victory over Compton House, travel to Cattistock tomorrow (2pm).

But Smith has warned his charges to beware the pitfalls of overconfidence, citing their struggles after an impressive start to last season as a prime example.

Bridport had claimed the maximum 20 points from their opening couple of fixtures and looked set to challenge for promotion, only to win just two of their remaining matches and avoid relegation by default.

Smith told Echosport: “I have stressed how important it is not to get carried away after one victory. Each game needs to be judged on its own merit.

“We were absolutely flying after two games last year but took our eye off the ball. We thought we were doing fine but it all started to go wrong and I don’t want to fall into that trap again.

“I think all the lads still clearly remember last year so I’m hopeful they will have learned from it and be better for it. But I will be mentioning it again just in case.”

Selection issues have dominated Smith’s week, with Ed Halson, Wes Lewis, Will Good and Marcel Grunschloss – last weekend’s match-winner – all definitely out of contention.

However, paceman Ashley Nicholls is expected to return having recovered from a minor knee injury, while Dom Gape, Duane Gay and Luke King should also feature.

Cattistock kicked off their season with a 52-run defeat by Stalbridge Seconds and Smith admitted he could follow last Saturday’s template by batting first and trying to defend a competitive total.

The skipper added: “We have got plenty of batting this week but are a touch light on bowling. I should have a side capable of winning the game, though.

“My normal preference is to field first but I might change that round because our batting is so strong for this match. We batted first against Compton House and it worked well, so we know we can defend a total.

“Cattistock lost last weekend, so hopefully that’s something we can prey on. We know what we are up against so there shouldn’t be any surprises from them.”

Bridport: Smith, L Toohill, Gape, Gay, Tozer, S Good, King, N Toohill, Nicholls, Drewitt, S Parker.