PAUL Harding is adamant his side can embark another fine run in the Dorset & Wilts Plate, despite being drawn away from home for every round of the competition.

Weymouth, of Dorset & Wilts One South, reached the final last season before losing out to a slick Blandford side.

Tomorrow they start their journey with a first round tie at northern division counterparts Calne and head coach Harding, whose men are unbeaten thus far, is quietly confident.

He said: “It’s another long trip for us and the fact we have got to travel away for every round is a bit disheartening.

“But we are not going there to make the numbers up, we’re going there to put in a positive performance. If we do that, we are more than capable of going through.”

With Craig Gelderd sidelined, Harding will be forced to change his line-up tomorrow.

He said: “Craig suffered bruised kidneys last weekend and he ended up at hospital for a few hours. They did some tests and they let him out but he certainly won’t be playing tomorrow.”

John Mason, Pat Merritt, Dan Bowditch, Tom Beech and Ben MacConnachie all return to the fold.

Bridport head coach Mark Botten hopes that victory in the Dorset & Wilts Plate tomorrow will lead to better fortunes in the league.

The Blues have lost two of their opening three matches in Dorset & Wilts One South but tomorrow visit Ver- wood (3pm) – a side that sits two tiers below.

Botten said: “If we can get a win hopefully we will be able to build on it in the league. Once you get a bit of momentum, winning can become a habit.”

Bridport are not expected to risk recovering skipper Rob Sullivan while Dave Blakesley is sure to miss out after turning his ankle in last Saturday’s warm-up.

Puddletown are also in Dorset & Wilts Plate action as they travel to Dorset & Wilts Two South rivals Poole (3pm).

Tomorrow’s hosts will be out for revenge though, after the Villagers gained an 8-7 victory when the two sides met just a fortnight ago.

Prop Jon Wilson is due to make his 50th consecutive appearance.

Dorchester’s first team are without a fixture but their second XV host local rivals Weymouth Seconds in the first round of the Dorset & Wilts Shield (3pm).

County town coach Roger Clark said: “Weymouth are always up for a challenge so we are certainly going to treat them with respect.”

Fresh from their first win of the South West One East season, Swanage & Wareham travel to fourth-placed Witney tomorrow (3pm).