HAVING suffered their first defeat of the campaign last weekend, Dorchester will be hoping to be on their game for the full 80 minutes when they travel to top-of-the-league Wells tomorrow in Southern Counties South (3pm).

Martyn Peel’s men were edged out 39-34 by Walcot in a thriller at Coburg Road in their previous fixture, while Wells have been in excellent form so far with four wins in as many matches.

Dorchester head coach Peel said: “We were all disappointed not to win last Saturday but we have learned from the experience and will be stronger for it.

“In a relatively settled league with many familiar faces, Wells is a new place for us to travel to, so we’re looking forward to going there and testing ourselves.”

The county town seconds will aim to keep their unbeaten start to the season going against Poole at home.

After a free weekend last week, captain Tom Evans is keen for his side to carry on where they left off from against Weymouth and stay near the summit of Dorset & Wilts Two South.

Over the Ridgeway, Wey-mouth’s first aim when they go to North Dorset (3pm) in Southern Counties South will be to get a team out on the pitch.

The club took the bold step of cancelling last Saturday’s visit of Wells to Monmouth Avenue because of player shortages.

Stuck on minus five points at the foot of the table, coach Chris Plummer would ideally love his side to break even with a bonus-point win, though selection will again be key.

The Weymouth second string have home advantage for their encounter with Frome Thirds in Dorset & Wilts Two South, while in the same division, Puddletown in third entertain free-scoring leaders Dorset Dockers (3pm).

Swanage & Wareham can bounce back from a one-point defeat to Corsham when Trow-bridge are their visitors in Southern Counties South (3pm).

Meanwhile, a Dorchester Ladies side, boosted by players on loan from Weymouth, enjoyed a cracking start to the season but went down 20-15 to Paignton.

The hosts dominated the NC South West South Two League game throughout and were unlucky to lose to a breakaway try in the dying seconds.

The forwards were on top from the kick-off and put Paignton under pressure throughout the first half with three tries from Roo Stainton, Tanya Adams and Lilly Smith.

Paignton fought back in the second period and against the run of play scored on the counter attack in the final minutes to snatch the win.

Dorchester team manager Janette Thompson was very happy with the squad as many of the team were playing together for the first time. Their next match this Sunday is away to Plymstock Ladies and anyone interested in playing with the club can attend training on Wednesdays at 7.30pm.