DORSET Leopards’ all-rounder Simon Mitchem is revelling in the “good vibe” around the county development side ahead of their clash with Wiltshire Seconds at Swanage tomorrow (11am).

Mitchem, who has become a Leopards regular after a series of solid displays, is joined by Portland Red Triangle all-rounder Simon Proffitt, with the Leopards naming a strong side for the encounter.

Dorset man James Hayman again captains the outfit, while fellow county players Tom Arnold and Josh McCoy turn out alongside squad players Dom Clutterbuck and Tom Robinson.

Speaking to Echosport, Mitchem insisted being part of such a strong line-up was a positive note.

He said: “I just look forward to the games. I enjoy playing for Dorchester, it’s a really good vibe and the Leopards is the same.

“It’s a good bunch of guys who want to play competitive cricket, so it’s another game to enjoy.

“It’s good to play in a really strong team and be picked to get a chance to perform at this level.

“The guys are really good, everyone is playing a decent level of cricket, everyone is competitive and wants to do well.

“It’s nice to play with guys you haven’t played with before and it’s always a good competitive atmosphere.”

And Mitchem, who is familiar with the Swanage pitch this season having played in Dorchester’s five-wicket win over the Swans in May, is delighted to play in this form of county cricket.

He said: “We played there earlier in the year and the wicket played quite well. It will be one of them – it’s quite a small ground but it’s the same for both teams.

“It’s just nice to play representative cricket. It goes without saying you’ve got to enjoy it as well as being competitive.

“It’s nice to represent your county in some form so I’m pleased to be able to do that.”

Leopards: Arnold, G Bartlett, Clutterbuck, Collins, Hayman, McCoy, Mitchem, Proffitt, Robinson, Wilson, Woodruff