HAVING had a week off, Dorchester’s well-rested first and A XVs both return to Wadworth 6X league action this weekend. The first team travel to Frome (3pm) and the A XV welcome Oakmeadians II to Coburg Road.

The county town first team has quite a different look to it compared to recent weeks with a number of players coming back into the side and some regular faces unavailable.

Liam Kershaw moves to prop and Chris Elliott starts at tight head after moving up from the bench. Josh Ovey comes in to hooker, completing a formidable front row. Greg Hallett continues in the back row, returning to full fitness, and Steve Tucker also returns from injury to his familiar role at number eight.

James McKendry steps in at fly-half and George Foot provides another kicking option with his return from injury at centre. Leo Ansell returns to the first team looking to make some strong runs in a powerful back line-up.

The evergreen Tom Gower covers from the bench to add his experience and Callum King heading back from injury also takes a place on the bench along with Charlie Sharp.

Frome currently lie second in the table and Dorchester ninth, with Frome not having lost since the first game of the season. This will prove a tough challenge for a good Dorchester side.

Dorchester A XV field another much changed team against Oakmeadians (2.30pm) as they look to get back to winning form and start to climb the table again.

Joe Underhill, Luke Robson and Jack Ward all have first-team experience, as has captain Rob Parker and he has the experience of Paul Broadbent and Tim Stephens in his side also. Oakmeadians lie tenth in the table having only won two games whereas Dorchester lie fourth having only lost two games. Undoubtedly it will be a tight game with important points for Dorchester to win.

Dorchester will also have all the Autumn internationals showing on the large screen for all to come along and watch. With all home nations involved this weekend the atmosphere in the clubhouse is guaranteed to be electric. Wales v Tonga kicks off at 2.30pm and England v Japan at 3pm. Scotland v South Africa starts at 5.20pm and Ireland v New Zealand at 7pm. A full day of international rugby awaits all rugby fans.

On Sunday the junior section have two games at Coburg Road when the U15s take on local rivals Weymouth & Portland in a Dorset & Wilts cup game and the U16s lock horns with Bridgwater.

The girls’ sides have county cluster games in the afternoon and the ever-improving Dorchester, Weymouth & Portland Ladies team will look to register another win against Southampton at Coburg Road (2.45).