DOWN UNDER: Weymouth on tour in New Zealand, sporting their tops from sponsor Weymouth Pankl
WEYMOUTH skipper Dean Janaway is not making any predictions about his side's chances in this year's Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League other than that he expects his men to be competitive.
The Seasiders have experienced ups and downs in the close season with the acquisitions of New Zealander Andrew Falloon and former Somerset Under-19 player Andy Bray, and the disappointing departure of Dan Belt to local rivals Dorchester.
But Janaway is quietly optimistic about the potential of his team.
He said: "We played against Andrew on tour and he looks a very good all-round player.
"He is a left-arm opening bowler and a good, middle-order batsmen and although he is only 22 and is still looking to learn, we are confident he will do well for us.
"As for Andy, he is a top-order left hander who used to play for Somerset Under-19s. He has also played club cricket with Glastonbury and Windsor and it is great that he is available to us.
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"We have a lot of experienced players in our side and with the new signings and people like Rob Nobbs now having a full season in the Premier League behind him, we are happy with how things are shaping up."
As for Belt's exit to newly-promoted Dorchester, Jana-way added: "Everyone at the club was bitterly disappointed to see Dan go but it was his decision to make and we just have to get on with it.
"Ben Lawes will be available to us for the last eight weeks of the season and that will provide another boost for us. He can't play in the opening weeks because he works at Bryanston School."
Weymouth finished fourth in the Premier League last season behind Parley, Poole Town and champions Broadstone.
Janaway expects the trio to be strong contenders for the title again along with new boys Dorchester.
He said: "There are some really good teams in the league so I am not going to make any predictions only that we are capable on our day of beating anyone. We will just work hard and see how it goes.
"As for potential champions, I would say Poole are favourites with Dorchester although Parley and Broadstone are also strong. All four are top sides and it will be interesting to see what happens."
Weymouth will host Dorchester at Redlands on May 17 and Janaway is looking forward to the two meetings between the sides. He added: "They will both be big games for us this season and I am sure there are a lot of people looking forward to watching them.
"Dorchester have compiled a good team and I am sure they are expecting big things."
FIXTURES
May 3 Wayfarers (a), 10 Blandford (a), 17 Dorchester (h), 24 Suttoners (a), 31 Wimborne & Colehill (a). Jun 7 Broadstone (h), 14 Parley (a), 21 Compton House (h), 28 Poole Tn (a). Jul 5 Wayfarers (a), 12 Blandford (h), 19 Dorchester (a), 26 Suttoners (h). Aug 2 Wimborne & Colehill (h), 9 Broadstone (a), 16 Parley (h), 23 Compton House (a), 30 Poole Tn (h).
* Weymouth Seconds begin their Division One campaign this Saturday with a trip to Shroton before staging a home clash against Sher-borne at Redlands the following week.
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