HAVING not played at Coburg Road since the end of October, and not having won a Wadworth 6X Southern Counties South fixture since the beginning of October, Dorchester will be keen to make the most of home advantage against a Grove side sitting three places above them in the table tomorrow (2.15pm).

With a number of players returning from injury this week and a number back after being unavailable, the side looks strong to take on the challenge of the coaches to pick up points and move away from the drop zone.

Adam Makepeace and James Newsam both return to second and back row duties respectively and last season’s prolific try scorer James Baker comes back in the centre, looking to return to last season’s form. The influential young fly-half Alex Peel returns from injury, keen to pick up where he left off and set up the backs to score from wide. Jack Ward and George Foot add to the pace on the wings and will no doubt go looking for the ball.

Chris Elliott, Steve Tucker and Tom Gower add weight, power and experience to make an impact from the bench.

The call from the coaches is for the whole squad to train well in numbers, be committed and available to play and make the next two fixtures count and pick up the points on offer with passion and pride in the club on display for all to see.

Dorchester’s A XV take to the road and head to New Milton. If results go the side’s way, they could be back at the top of the table come the end of the day. Rob Parker will again take a strong side in good form with a real chance of picking up the points in a real push to end the year heading up the Dorset & Wilts Two South table. Kick off is at 2.15pm.

The Gladiators third XV are also on the road, travelling to Swanage & Wareham for what is sure to be a well-contested match as ever. Captain Tony O’Connell will be asking his senior players to lead from the front in an experienced squad. Kick off is at 2.15pm.

The club will be showing the Barbarians v Argentina game on the big screen Saturday afternoon at 2.30, and the match sponsor for the day are Dorchester Cricket Club. The two local clubs are strengthening community ties and supporting each other in their endeavours. On Sunday, the Weldmar Hospice Family Santa Fun Run takes place, with the run starting from the club at 11am. This is the third year the club have hosted the event for its charity partner and all senior and junior members along with their families are encouraged to join the fun raising money for a worthy local community cause.

Dorchester Weymouth & Portland Ladies team head off on their travels too for an away game in Jersey on Sunday afternoon. Team coach Sam Wilson commented: “It’s a bit of a trip but we are looking forward to warm welcome from the opposition. The ladies are looking forward to a mini international game, and whatever the result we aim to enjoy the day.”

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