DORCHESTER and Weymouth & Portland lock horns tomorrow in a much-anticipated derby at Coburg Road (3pm).

The county town will be looking to protect their top of the table position and unbeaten record, while the Seasiders will be looking to build some momentum in their Dorset & Wilts One South campaign.

Dorchester have a very settled first XV squad as Sam Jones returns replacing Lee King in the second row who is out for concussion rest.

Both Jake Bosher and George Foot return to first-team action renewing their partnership at nine and 10 and Dave Cottell is back after a minor knock.

Recent new recruit from Weymouth, Luc Scadden is on the bench and will no doubt get a strong welcome from the visitors when he enters the game.

Training this week has been very strong and, with good numbers available, it has put the squad at near full strength.

Head coach Ben Parker said after training: “Competition for positions is getting tighter and the coaching team are having to make some tough decisions.

“Players who last season were A XV regulars are now banging on the door of the first XV and the result is the standard of rugby is getting higher across the senior squad.

“Nothing but a five-point win is expected from the squad and coaching staff this weekend, and despite all the hype and chatter around the game, the lads understand this is another step towards our shared goals this season.

“I hope the occasion doesn’t get to the players and we can build on our recent great performances. We are in no doubt whatsoever that Weymouth will bring a strong and hungry team to Coburg Road, and we are all looking forward to what promises to be a fantastic afternoon of rugby.”

Meanwhile, Weymouth & Portland coach Simon Litster says his charges are “quietly confident” going into the game.

“We’re quietly confident. The games against Dorchester are always going to be contested keenly. Dorchester are a good side and they’re not top of the league without reason,” he said.

Among the crowd this weekend will be Dorchester player Mark Adams who is celebrating 40 years with the club.

Adams played his first game, aged seven, and his most recent in September for the first XV away at North Dorset.

“Ado” has played for all three senior sides as well as Colts and Dorset & Wilts Under-21s.

Two coaches he names as influential in his career are Gary Knowles who gave him his first-team debut and club stalwart Mike Sprules who captained a very successful A XV for a number of years.

Adams is still very much involved in the game at Dorchester and as part of the current D&W selection panel.

To celebrate this weekend, Adams will be holding a silent auction and raffle in aid of Dorchester Rugby Club, Dorchester Cricket Club and Somerleigh Nursing Home who looked after his late father Mick.

Other action for Dorchester this weekend sees the A XV travel to Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew, and Sunday sees the under-7s to under-10s welcoming Blandford minis to the club while the under-13s take on North Dorset.