BERE Regis captain Rich Cole expects a fierce contest with Shroton when the two sides collide in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League at the Fairfield tomorrow (1pm).

Shroton are renowned for their hard-hitting style of cricket, notably an aggressive approach to batting to capitalise on one of the shortest boundaries in Dorset.

And Cole recognises the stern test that Bere’s opponents will provide, with his side shorn of Tim Goodhew, Rob Murphy and Rich Payne for the encounter.

Cole told Echosport: “Shroton comes with its own challenges. We’re struggling with the availability and Shroton will always give us a challenge regardless of whether we’re full-strength.

“They have a certain dynamic that brings the game to us. You know you’re playing a competitive game of cricket when you’re playing up there.

“It’s going to be a case of discipline, we need to make sure we take a few lessons learned from the last few games. Against Dorchester we got slightly emotionally involved when decisions didn’t go our way.

“It meant our game dropped, so we need to make sure we focus and bowl in the right locations. We’re aware that a good ball and still go for six at Shroton when swinging to cow.

“It’s about keeping your focus and getting ready for that catch, because they do hit it hard but they also hit it in the air.”

Bere will bring in Jacob Lambert, Crispin Brown and Ciaran Woodhouse for the fixture.

Bere Regis: M King, White, Rogerson, Lambert, Rich Cole, Rob Cole, Brown, E Woodhouse, Keegan, Walbridge, C Woodhouse