MARTINSTOWN skipper Ed Nichols is in for a remarkably busy weekend as he takes on captaincy at both club and county level.

The opening batsman is set to lead the Villagers in their Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League clash at home to Poole Town at Lower Ashton Farm this afternoon (1pm).

Nichols will then head to Chapel Gate less than 24 hours later to captain the Dorset Leopards against the Devon Lions tomorrow (11am).

And the talented wicketkeeper insists being given that responsibility at county representative level is something he is relishing.

“It’s a proud moment. I was actually thrilled when I got the email through,” Nichols’ told Echosport when asked about being awarded the Leopards’ captaincy.

“I was quite pleased to get the opportunity just to captain the league representative side. Hopefully in that game they saw certain things about how I can read the game and manage a game.

“I guess also off the pitch it’s a nod that I am doing the right things and maybe giving the right messages, which is what I want to do to promote the right brand of cricket.”

He added: “I have looked at the (Dorset) team and we are a strong side, there are some old faces back in as well, which is nice.

“Last year we took a strong side down to Devon and they were very strong considering they are a young team as well.

“I am really looking forward to it overall.”

In the immediate future, Nichols is set to help his club side Martinstown go in search of their fourth league victory of the season.

On that game, he added: “I think it will be a good test for us. We know enough about Poole now to know it will be a tough game.

“They play hard but fair and they are quite ruthless.”

Matt Camp, Chris Read and Ryan Chase are all set to return to the Martinstown line-up this weekend to boost the hosts’ bowling options.

George Pope also comes back in.

Martinstown are ninth in the league table with 92 points.