Dorchester have been boosted by the return of skipper Martyn Richards ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Ferndown Wayfarers (1.30pm).

The influential figure has been on holiday for the past three weeks but, given the recent wet weather, has only missed one outing – the 15-run defeat at Poole Town.

The county town side also welcome back all-rounders Rob Waite and Jon Legg but will be without the services of Steve Gerety, Ian Sibley and James Dunham as they aim to get back to winning ways.

Richards said: “We have three changes to the team that was due to play last weekend as Steve, Ian and James are all unavailable.

“James will be a big loss as he has been fantastic with the new ball this year and has been our most economic bowler.

“But Jon comes back into the side and he will now open the bowling. He has bowled well for us in the past, and earlier this season, and I have no doubt he will step up to the mark.

“Rob is also available this week, which is a huge boost, and the other change sees myself come into the XI.

“We have actually ended up with a deep batting line-up this week, we’re just keeping our fingers crossed the weather is okay.

“We’re not the only ones to have suffered from the weather and when the weather does have an impact during a game it’s the same for both sides.

“Whatever the conditions tomorrow, we are confident we have a side that can dig in and put a score on the board.”

Ferndown will also be looking to bounce back tomorrow after suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of previously winless Win-ton.

The latter posted 226-8 before skittling seventh-placed Wayfar-ers for a meagre 63.

Despite that loss, Richards is expecting a stern test at Dolmans Farm.

He added: “I believe they are better than the league table suggests, so we will prepare to face a difficult team in tricky conditions.

“They have some very good cricketers, particularly the likes of Eric Linge and Leigh Dunham, and they have a very strong top order.

“So it surprises me to see them in the lower half of the table, but in this league anyone can beat anyone so I wouldn’t be surprised to see them bounce back against us – we have got to prepare ourselves for that.”

Dorchester: Belt, Caldwell, Evans, Fitzgerald, Goodhew, Legg, Lewis, Miller, Moxom, Richards, Waite.

* Dorchester Seconds prepare to welcome Witchampton to the Rec in Dorset League Division Two while the thirds, riding high in Division Five North & West, travel to Bridport Seconds (both 2pm).