DORCHESTER are looking to bounce back after the disappointment of their 16-14 Southern Counties Senior Vase Final defeat at Slough last weekend with a win at home to Lytchett Minster in the Wadworth 6X Dorset & Wilts One South (3pm).

Both sides are hoping the weather won’t cause a cancellation as it did in the same fixture last year.

Head coach Ben Parker has made several first team changes to both rest some players and bring new players into the setup.

Chris Elliott starts for the first time this season following injury and bench duty, as does Jake Bosher who also made no appearance at Slough. Dave Cottell and Tom Bradbury are rested.

Tom Gower starts for the unavailable James Newsam and Jamie Morgan returns to the first-team bench.

Parker said: “We need to bounce back from recent results and performances as we now have the league to focus all our energy on and look to wrap it up before the end of the season.

“Selection has again been tough, but our strength and depth in the squad has allowed us to rest some key players and give others a well deserved opportunity.

“Despite the fantastic away result at Lytchett, we are under no illusion that this will be an easy game. We must win this game and take all five points, but we will not underestimate our opposition.

“We hope the weather holds off and we are able to play, as the players are now focused on getting back to winning ways and dominating the league.”

All of Dorchester’s senior sides are in action at home this weekend for the first time this season. The A XV take on Dinton (3pm) and the Gladiators Third XV welcome Salisbury Fourth XV (2.15pm).

Sunday is also full of action at Dorchester with the under-sevens through to under-11s taking on Wimborne, the under-14s and under-16s lock horns with North Dorset and Bournemouth respectively at 10.45am, while the Colts welcome Walcot to Coburg Road (1pm).

The weekend is completed with the under-15 and under-18 girls entertaining Bridgwater (2.15pm).

n Representatives from Weldmar hospice will be in attendance at Dorchester this weekend to sign up interested parties for the second Men’s Rugby Walk on Saturday, March 17 from Dorchester Rugby Club to Weymouth & Portland Rugby Club, which raises crucial funds for the charity.

On completion of the walk at Weymouth all the final games of the Six Nations will be televised on the big screen.

n Weymouth & Portland travel to Dorset Dockers, while Bridport host New Milton Seconds

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