FIXTURES for the upcoming 2018 Dorset Funeral Plan League have been announced.

Last season’s winners Broadstone kick-off the defence of their Premier League crown on Saturday, May 5 with a tricky assignment at Wimborne & Colehill, while Dorchester begin with a home clash against Stalbridge.

Newly-promoted Bere Regis start at home to Sherborne, while Martinstown begin against 2017 runners-up Swanage at Lower Ashton Farm.

Dorchester will contest their first derby of the season at Dorchester Rec against Bere Regis on May 19, with Bere going on to host Martinstown a week later.

Martinstown then entertain Dorchester in their next fixture to round off a triple bill of derbies.

Reigning County Division Two champions Portland Red Triangle begin their County Division One campaign away to Broadstone Seconds before resuming their rivalry with fellow promoted side Compton House at Reforne a week later.

Triangle’s season is rounded off with a trip to Poole Park to play Poole Town Seconds on September 1.

In County Division Two, newly-promoted Charlton Down and Beaminster begin their seasons at home to Wimborne & Colehill Seconds and Marnhull respectively, while relegated Weymouth face an opening trip to Kingston Lacy.

The first derby of the division takes place a week later on May 12 when the Seasiders host Charlton Down at Redlands, before Down welcome Beaminster on June 2.

Weymouth then entertain Beaminster on June 30 as the first half of the season draws to a close.

In County Division Three, Puddletown and Dorchester Seconds begin with away trips to Sherborne Seconds and Hamworthy Recreation Seconds respectively.

Puddletown and Dorchester Seconds then vie for victory at Puddletown on June 9.

There is also an opening day derby in County Division Four as Portland Red Triangle Seconds host Abbotsbury.

In a lower-league reshuffle, Weymouth Seconds, who finished third in County Division Six last season, have been elevated to County Division Five and begin their campaign at Redlands against Royal Challenger Sports.

Meanwhile, Martinstown Seconds face an away trip to Marnhull Seconds in their first fixture of 2018.

Martinstown and Weymouth’s second-strings will contest a derby on June 30 at Lower Ashton Farm to complete the first half of the season.

There are a total of five new teams in County Division Six as Cheselbourne, Lytchett, Shaftesbury Seconds, Poole Town Fourths and Ferndown Wayfarers Fourths enter the league pyramid.

n The Dorset Cricket Board have confirmed that the Dorset Sunday League has been disbanded, with a new T25 competition set for trial.