Seasiders' Sample expects a Greenfields test (From Dorset Echo)

Seasiders' Sample expects a Greenfields test

8:30am Friday 19th March 2010 in

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WEYMOUTH hope to pile more misery on rock-bottom Puddletown when the two rivals meet at Greenfields tomorrow (2.30pm).

The two sides have experienced contrasting fortunes this season with the Seasiders second in Dorset & Wilts One South, following a four-match unbeaten run, and the Villagers staring relegation in the face on the back of 17 straight defeats.

However, Weymouth skipper Mark Sample is expecting a stern examination tomorrow afternoon.

He said: “They always get themselves up for the games against us. They’ve had a difficult season but in recent years the games at their place have always been hard-fought.

“Greenfields is a tricky place to go, it’s a local derby and they will make life difficult for us.

“But we want to finish as high as possible and second place is where we want to be. We finished third last season, and fourth the year before, so it would be a real step forward if we could finish second this time.”

Opposite number Dan Udell, who is a doubt for tomorrow’s encounter, said: “Derby matches like this are always special and great fun to play in, and often league positions count for nothing.

“We gave Weymouth a good test at their place back in December, and I’m sure that we’ll do the same again tomorrow.”

Udell is struggling to shake off an ankle injury picked up in training while Paul Chidley (knee) is still sidelined.

However, Jack Foot and Mark Thomson return to the squad that ran Oakmeadians Seconds so close a fortnight ago.

Leaders Bridport can confirm their status as champions tomorrow and coach Paul Ninnim is relishing the prospect of sealing the title in front of the club’s loyal supporters.

The Blues’ coronation was delayed a fortnight ago when they lost at Swanage & Wareham Seconds, but the West Dorset outfit will rubberstamp their promotion to Southern Counties South tomorrow by avoiding defeat to Frome Seconds at the Brewery Ground (3pm).

Ninnim said: “Losing at Swanage was a bit of a setback for us, but on the day they were the better side and deserved to win.

“But I would be very disappointed if we didn’t beat Frome. It would be nice for us and for the club in general to win the title in front of our own fans. We’ve come close to promotion the last couple of seasons, so I’m sure there will be a lot of relief if we do it this time.”

Elsewhere, Dorchester return to Southern Counties South action with the visit of table-topping Wimborne (2.30pm).

The county town side, who were without a game last weekend, will be keen to avenge the 25-5 defeat they suffered in East Dorset three months ago.

Swanage & Wareham also face lofty opposition as they play host to South West One East leaders Cheltenham (3pm).

n Weymouth Seconds have reached the final of the Dorset & Wilts Shield and will take on their Sherborne counterparts in next Saturday’s showpiece at Puddletown.