WEYMOUTH & Portland head coach Paul Harding insists skipper Ryan Lewendon is revelling in his new role as captain.

Lewendon took over the captaincy from Kevin Leatham in the off-season and has so far led his side to two league wins out of three in Dorset & Wilts One South.

And Harding insists he is happy with the leadership qualities Lewendon has shown.

He told Echosport: “Ryan has done well, I took him off as a precaution on Saturday because he took a heavy hit. As you would expect he was very keen to get back on and disappointed to be taken off.

“He has been very influential, very positive and I am pleased with him so far. He has settled into the role nicely.

“I saw an old photograph of Ryan in the first team as a youngster and you realise how far he has come on, he is a strong player and is one of our shining lights on the pitch.

“That level of responsibility has done him good this year. He has played strongly and he is trying to bring out that collective effort from the guys.”