Quartet return to boost table-toppers Weymouth (From Dorset Echo)

Quartet return to boost table-toppers Weymouth

8:26am Friday 3rd February 2012 in Rugby By Ky Capel

WEYMOUTH have received a welcome boost ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Swanage & Wareham Seconds (2.30pm) with the news that four key men are all set to return.

Will Quick, Craig Barter, Gary Hamlin and Dave Oakford are all back in the fold as the Monmouth Avenue outfit look to maintain their cushion at the Dorset & Wilts One South summit.

However, head coach Paul Harding is not expecting an easy ride at the third-placed Swans.

He said: “We have never had an easy game against the Swans. I don’t think we have ever come off the pitch and thought that was straightforward, and I’m sure it will be no different tomorrow.

“They are third in the league and they are a good side. It’s going to be a tough ask going there but having said that, I’ve always been confident that if we can get our game together and play to our capabilities we will come away with something.”

On the subject of the quartet’s return, Harding added: “The lads who have stepped up have done well and they’ve proved they can do a job. But with class players like Will, Gary and Craig, you’re always keen to get them back.”

Max Vallance is unable to travel so he is likely to play for the seconds as they host Wincanton (2.30pm).

Having finally broken their Sherborne hoodoo last time out, Dorchester are setting their sights on a third successive win.

The county town outfit, just a point adrift of the top three in Southern Counties South, welcome Wimborne to Coburg Road tomorrow (2.15pm) for a third straight Dorset derby, following fine wins against Blandford and Sherborne – 86-3 and 15-10 respectively.

Bridport will be looking to avoid a third straight defeat in Dorset & Wilts One South when they travel to fifth-placed Sherborne Seconds (2.30pm).

A bonus-point victory would see the Blues draw level in the table, however, they have only managed one win on their travels this campaign.

In Dorset & Wilts Two South, third-placed Puddletown will be keen to make it three wins on the spin when they take on second from bottom Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew at Greenfields (2.30pm).

The Villagers won 47-12 in the away fixture earlier in the season, but the Salisbury-based outfit are showing signs of improvement of late.

Finally, Swanage & Wareham entertain Buckingham in a crucial relegation tussle (2.15pm).

The Swans currently sit just one place and five points above their second-bottom opponents in the South West One East table.