WEYMOUTH’S Joe James is set to feature in his inaugural first-team bow this weekend with the young bowler named in the Seasiders’ squad who travel to face Swanage (1pm).

James, a product of the club’s youth section, was given a baptism of fire last season as part of the Weymouth Seconds, but pass-ed the test with flying colours.

On the youngster’s inclusion, skipper Kieron Womble told Echosport: “It’s a really good opportunity for him to show what he can do.

“We wouldn’t pick him if we didn’t think he was good enough or if we didn’t think he had the mentality, for a youngster he is very mature.

“He has a very good head on his shoulders and we are hoping he can enjoy it and, hopefully, he can help us get a victory.”

The Chickerell youngster won the club’s young cricketer of the year award last season, and was presented with the award by former England batsman Graham Thorpe.

With Swanage boasting a staggering victory over champions Parley last week, Womble is well aware of the threat tomorrow’s hosts pose, but believes their shock result is a sign of the competitive nature of the league.

He added: “Swanage had a good result over Parley and they will be full of confidence, but we will be going there hoping to win and put our season on track.

“For them that’s a fantastic result but it shows the strength in the league, anyone can be strong and competitive and anyone can win.

“Getting into a winning habit is really important and it’s something we couldn’t do last year, when you keep coming close it becomes really hard to get over the line so we need to get a win early.”

“We have just got to take it game by game and keep ourselves in the mix.

Seasiders: Ryall, Lawes, Janaway, Payne, Womble, Browne, Whyte, Trotter, Hutchens, Pearce, James