WEYMOUTH captain Simon Browne says he is feeling optimistic heading into his side’s County Division One clash with Hamworthy Recreation tomorrow (1.30pm).

The Seasiders fell to a 63-run defeat against Cerne Valley last week, but despite the defeat Browne says he is encouraged by his side’s display and feels they have enough quality to get a win in their first home game of the campaign.

He said: “We were disappointed to start the season off with a loss but we were playing one of the stronger sides in the league.

“I thought we did okay last week. Parts of it could have been better but it wasn’t the worst defeat in the world.

“There were parts of our

bowling that worked well last week and parts that didn’t, so those of us that were below-par last week in that department, including myself, need to step up to the plate.

“But our attention now turns to Saturday. It’s our first home match of the season and we’re looking forward to it.

Last week saw Hamworthy Recreation lose at home to Christchurch, but with the sides not meeting since early on in last year’s campaign, Browne says his side face something of an unknown test.

He said: “I don’t know what to expect from them because we only played them once last season.

“It was early on in the season and the second match was the one that had to be scrapped because we couldn’t get a side out, so what I know is somewhat limited.

“If you’re playing a team where you know their strengths then it might affect how you set up, but for us it’s just about applying ourselves and taking our opportunities.

“Saturday will be more about making sure we perform to the best of our abilities. We scored nearly 200 runs last week and we’re capable of doing something similar again if we have to.

“Cricket at this level isn’t Test cricket where you are in the field all day because you can’t get wickets against top-class batsmen, sometimes games move really quickly and if you can get the top order out and get into the middle order then you might be able to get sides out for relatively low scores.

“But it all depends on what happens on the day.”

Weymouth go into their home clash with Hamworthy Recreation facing two enforced changes as they are without Dom Webb and Joe James due to unavailability.

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830954

e: philip.spencer

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @Echosportphil