8:51am Friday 25th January 2008
DORCHESTER coach Chris Burton has urged his players not to rest on their laurels, following their first win in Southern Counties South since September 22, when they welcome North Dorset to Coburg Road tomorrow (2.30pm).
The county town side defeated relegation rivals Ivel Barbarians 20-12 to boost their hopes of survival but now face a tougher prospect in fifth-placed North Dorset.
Burton said: "I've been saying for a long time that much of our problems have been in the players' minds but it will take more than one win, however, it has put us on the right road.
"It's amazing the difference a win can make and everyone is confident going into Saturday's game where we will have to be at our best."
The two points gained last weekend have brought the likes of Sherborne and Corsham within touching distance.
Burton added: "We have targeted certain games in the remainder of the season that we can definitely win, and if so then we will give ourselves a great chance of staying in this division."
Toby Waddrington is expected to be the only change from last week's win after he suffered an injury at Ivel. George Damen remains sidelined for Saturday's clash.
Seventh takes on sixth in Dorset & Wilts One South tomorrow as Puddle-town travel to Westbury (2.30pm).
The Villagers will be looking at the league table believing that a good run of form could see them catch up with third place Weymouth who are without a league fixture this weekend.
Skipper Pete Gordon said: "Saturday is a game we have targeted, and if we have ambitions of finishing high in the league then it is a game we need to win."
Puddletown will be aiming for a slice of revenge, following a 15-5 reverse earlier in the season, but will have to do so without injured duo Tom Bamlett and Rob Jamieson.
Bridport journey to lowly Warmin-ster tomorrow in Dorset & Wilts One South looking to stop the rot of three consecutive league defeats.
The Blues have lost sight of top duo Swanage & Wareham II and Salisbury II, and now have a battle on their hands to claim third spot ahead of the likes of Weymouth and Frome II.
Swanage & Wareham continue their chase for the South West Two East title with a trip to High Wycombe tomorrow (2.15pm).
The Swans can't afford any lapses, with unbeaten Chippenham clear at the top by three points, so will be hoping for a repeat performance of the 15-3 victory the last time the two sides met back in October.
TOMORROW'S FIXTURES South West Two East: Henley Wanderers v Cheltenham, High Wycombe v Swanage & Wareham, Marlow v Bletchley, Salisbury v Reading Abbey, Tadley v Chippenham, Windsor v Walcot.
Southern Counties South: Dorchester v North Dorset, Oakmeadians v Wimborne, Oldfield Old Boys v Corsham, Trowbridge v Frome, Wootton Bassett v Ivel Barbarians.
Dorset & Wilts One South: Frome II v Wimborne II, Salisbury II v Blandford, Swan & Ware II v North Dorset II, Warminster v Bridport, Westbury v Puddletown.
Dorset & Wilts Two South: North Dorset III v Blandford II, Salisbury III v Dorchester II, Swanage & W III v Bournemouth III, Wimborne III v Wheatsheaf Cabin Crew.
Dorset & Wilts Three South: East Dorset II v Swanage & Wareham IV, Oakmeadians II v Bridport II, Poole v Lytchett Minster II, Puddletown II v Dorchester III.
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