PUDDLETOWN captain Adam Barrett has encouraged his side to play without fear as his side host Witchampton at Winfrith in County Division Two tomorrow (1.30pm).

Puddletown, who currently sit fourth in the table, come into the fixture off the back of an abandonment against Cranborne, whereas their opponents Witchampton overcame Blandford by 52 runs, which saw them rise to second.

When asked about Witchampton, Barrett expects a tough fixture, stating he feels the Witches are the division’s strongest team.

He said: “Everyone I’ve chatted to so far this season has suggested that Witchampton are the team to beat.

“They have started the season well, so all of our lads will need to be at the top of our games if we want to be competitive.

“This season is a learning curve for us. We are the new boys, still trying to find our feet.

“Witchampton have done well in this division for a number of seasons now, so I feel this might be the year they kick on and gain promotion.”

With regards to selection, Puddletown are hindered by the absence of several key players, including leading runscorer Adam Weir, along with bowlers Will Gage and Laurie Stevens.

Barrett said: “We’ve done well to get 11 together to be honest, it’s just one of those weekends were everyone seems to be away.

“We still have some quality in the side however, so if a couple of players play out of their skin there’s no doubt we’ll be in with a chance of a big upset.”