MARTINSTOWN captain Ed Nichols is expecting a good challenge for the bowlers when his side face a trip to Shroton tomorrow in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League (1pm).

Martinstown have enjoyed a strong start to the season with four wins and two losses and sit fourth in the table, 31 points behind leaders Dorchester who beat Shroton convincingly in their last match.

Nichols said: “I think they are a side that is fairly strong at their own ground, which has got a fair bit of local knowledge in terms of small boundaries and quite a steep slope.

“It is a tough place to play and I think they will know how to exploit that.

“I think they will play quite hard cricket, go hard on the ball and bat.

“It will be a good challenge for us I think.

“We have got a mixed record there it is just that they have players that can attack the ball and clear the ropes so the game can change quite quickly.

“The bowlers have got to have good plans and adapt if the game does go in that direction and just take regular wickets where possible, break up partnerships and not let anyone settle.

“It is a good challenge for the bowlers.”

Ryan chase will be absent, while Fraser Hill will be replaced by Monty Payne, Sam Hennessy will replace Matt Camp and Nathan McNab comes in for Mike Kennedy-Barnard.

Martinstown (provisional): Nichols, Payne, Williams, Kershaw, Andrews, Maltby, Hennessy, McNab, Durant, Read

n Martinstown Seconds have a bye weekend.