GOING into a game against Weymouth as favourites is something that Martinstown skipper Ed Nichols would have found tough to get his head around a few years ago.

Nichols’ men, who have enjoyed a rapid rise through the divisions, are currently on a five-match losing streak but should fancy their chances of ending that run this weekend when they host the Seasiders (1pm).

Weymouth’s winless season in the Dorset Premier League continued last Saturday when they suffered defeat to Parley.

However, tomorrow’s visitors to Lower Ashton Farm will also be targeting the fixture as one that could see them eventually break their duck for the summer.

Martinstown welcome Stuart Fry, Ryan Chase and Tom Nicholls back into their side as they look to do a league double over the Seasiders.

“It’s quite a relief to know that with Weymouth so far adrift at the bottom of the table we will be back for another go at the Premier League next year,” said Nichols.

“If you’ve lost your last five, like we have, you would look at the fixtures and fancy your chances at home against the side that’s bottom of the league.

“But they have got a lot of guys who have been playing for a long time and know what it’s all about.

“And we’ve got to be realistic because if we had thought a few years ago we would go into a game against Weymouth as favourites it would have been difficult to comprehend.”

Weymouth skipper Kieron Womble is expected to return to the side after a bad back and Simon Browne is hoping to overcome an arm injury to play.

“It doesn’t matter who it comes against, we desperately don’t want to finish the season without a win,” said all-rounder Browne.

“The fact Martinstown are on a bad run doesn’t make a great deal of difference as it’s nothing compared to the run we are on.

“We’ve been more competitive over the last few weeks so hopefully we can take that into this weekend.”

Meanwhile, Dorchester could leapfrog Martinstown in the Premier League table if they can get the better of Wimborne & Colehill on home turf (1pm).

Three of the Dorchester Rec side’s last four games of the season are at their county town base, where so far they have won three and lost three games this summer.

They go into this weekend’s clash on the back of a defeat at Poole and unavailability means captain Simon Mitchem has a few selection headaches to deal with.

“We’ve got four games left and want to win as many as we can, and it would be nice for everyone to contribute with the bat and ball,” he said.

“We bowled really well last Saturday but didn’t do it with the bat.

“Wimborne & Colehill were a very well-rounded side when we played them the last time and the better team on the day.”

In County Division Three, promotion-chasing Dorchester Seconds take their five-match winning streak to Kingston Lacy.

Stuart Beasley’s men will be hoping Beaminster can do them a favour at home to Ashmore.

Portland Red Triangle, also seeking promotion from Division Two, go to Marnhull and Cattistock visit Compton House.

Abbotsbury could move up to third in Division Four if they beat Swanage Seconds tomorrow.

Division Five leaders Charlton Down entertain Shaftesbury, Martinstown Seconds and Puddletown head to Broadstone Thirds and Blandford Seconds respectively, while Portland Seconds host Bradford Abbas.

Beaminster Seconds make the trip to Stalbridge Thirds in Division Six.

Dorchester 1st XI ball sponsor: The Drawing Office