Weymouth v Dorchester

WEYMOUTH and Dorchester can salvage some pride from a largely forgettable Premier League campaign at Redlands tomorrow.

Both may be resigned to relegation but local bragging rights and points in the battle to avoid the wooden spoon are on offer this weekend.

The Seasiders won the first fixture between the teams in June and just hold the upper hand in terms of league positions going into the match.

And while he would like to do the double over Dorchester, Weymouth captain Matt Lawes wants to see a good game of cricket as both sides lick their wounds following a well below-par summer.

“Both sides are in positions they don’t want to be in but they are there for a reason,” he said. “I just want to see the players enjoy Saturday and the last few weekends of the season.

“No-one wants to finish bottom but the league never lies so we’ve got to go out there and look to win.

“We gave a few youngsters a chance last weekend and we’ll do the same again this time. It’s all about looking to next season now.

“It’s been quite incredible how both clubs are in similar positions this season but both of us have been frustrated that we haven’t been able to pick the same players each week.

“We don’t seem to have been able to go out and enjoy our cricket and when you’re constantly battling to find players it is hard.”

Dean Janaway, Jim Ryall and Dave Trotter are out for Weymouth with Lawes and Tom England back in.

Pete Moxom takes charge of Dorchester again with Dan Belt unavailable and James and Will Caldwell are back for the visitors.

And despite a poor season, Belt still feels the county town outfit have a lot to play for.

He said: “The players are up for it and everyone knows that a win, plus one more, will see them avoid finishing bottom of the table.

“Players always raise their game for derbies and we don’t want to end the season last and having lost twice to Weymouth, so there is still something to play for.

“It’s a big game for us in that respect and we’ve got to go into it with a positive attitude.”

Dorchester Seconds have home advantage for their tussle with Division Three leaders Cerne Valley and Weymouth Seconds go to Wimborne & Colehill Thirds.

Meanwhile, Sunday sees the start of Dorchester Cricket Club’s annual cricket week with events running every day at the Rec until next Friday.

The Dorset disabled XI kick things off on Sunday when they play Somerset for the Harry Pickersgill Cup (1pm start).

That is followed by a youth cricket festival on Monday, a match between Dorchester and Derbyshire touring side Robincroft on Tuesday (11.30am), and the inaugural David Willey memorial match on Wednesday (5pm).

Dorchester take on Abbotsbury in memory of a man who played for both clubs and all former players are welcome for hospitality.

On Thursday, Dorchester play a West Dorset XI in the Phil Mesney memorial match and the week is rounded off with another youth festival on Friday.