DORCHESTER play their first league fixture under floodlights tonight when they take on county rivals Wimborne (7.45pm).

This is an initiative by the RFU to attract new supporters and help keep the game attractive and exciting for players.

The club has already held successful Friday evening games and now is rolling this initiative out to the first XV.

Dave Cottell will be joined by Duncan Inwood and Luke Doherty in the front row, while Rob Parker steps in at scrum-half and George Foot returns to fly-half having recovered from injury.

Luke Robson reverts to his more familiar role as flanker and Jamie Morgan again comes in at centre following his good showing at Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, the second XV, having had their game called off at the last minute last Saturday, are keen to get back on the road and secure their first victory when they lock horns with Bournemouth IVs in Dorset & Wilts Two South.

They have again named a strong front row with Chris Elliott, Jamie Ritchie and Karl Makepeace starting, Leo Ansell and Tom Evans both start in the back row and Julian Dale continues his run at scrum-half following on from his successful outing against Weymouth.

The strong squad looks to bring home the win for captain Rob Parker.

Saturday night also sees the annual firework display at Coburg Road, gates open at 6pm with the fireworks at 8pm.

The club’s charity partner Weldmar Hospice will be in attendance and there is fun for the whole family at this community event.

There will be a hog roast, many other food stalls, bouncy slide for the youngsters, outside bar and music from Howling at the Moon.

Prices on the night are: family

ticket £10, adults £4 and children

£2.

n Other home fixtures for Sunday are: Under-7-Under-11 against Blandford, Under-14s take on Sherborne in the Dorset & Wilts Cup and the Colts face Oakmeadians in the Under-17 Shield, all at Coburg Road.

n On Tuesday at Coburg Road the club is holding the first of a RFU “Return to Rugby” course. Dorchester are holding a series of training sessions starting at 7pm. The programme is aimed at returning players but is also very suitable for new players (over-17) also.

Training is structured by the RFU so that players re-visit basic skills and get acquainted with new laws in a safe environment away from regular and established players.