MARTINSTOWN captain Sam Kershaw confessed it would be “extra sweet” to defeat Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League leaders Dorchester in a derby at Lower Ashton Farm tomorrow (1pm).

Last season, Dorchester did the double over their nearest rivals, with a memorable two-run victory on the final ball at the Rec a particularly heartbreaking loss for the Villagers.

However, Kershaw’s men enjoyed a fine win at Christchurch last time out and will be looking to upset the form book over a county town side boasting seven wins from eight games.

He told Echosport: “We were unlucky to lose at the Rec last year. It would be nice to get one over on them, they’re on a great run of form.

“For us, it’s all about getting a run together. We had a win last week and it’s all about building on that and doing the basics right.

“We’re obviously yet to record a Saturday win at home so to get it against them would be extra sweet.

“It’s always a game we look forward to and a lot of us have against each other for years. It’s always a good game, hopefully competitive and played the way cricket should be played.”

Chief among Martinstown’s two changes is attacking opening batsman Steve Gerety, a former Dorchester player, alongside Teddy Andrews. George and Tom Pope miss out.

For Dorchester captain James Dunham, the visitors are sticking with their season-long mantra of taking each game in isolation.

“It’s always a competitive fixture with a lot of us growing up together and going to the same school,” he said.

“It doesn’t really change the outlook on the game. We’ll just keep doing our bit and I’m sure they’ll be looking to carry on after last week as well. It should be an exciting game.

“The winning mentality is important. Sometimes not individual but team form plays a part. We’re obviously on a high at the moment, not just the first-team.

“We’re only looking to improve that and keep winning each week, so that’s what we’ll be focusing on and this game’s no different from any other.

“I don’t think we’ve had a perfect game at all this year, which is a positive because we’ve lost one game and carried on winning.

“There’s always something we can improve on. You become a dull side when you don’t look to improve both individual and team performances.

“We’re just going to carry on what we’re doing.”

Dorchester are forced into two changes, while Martyn Richards will drop into the second team.

Josh Foot and Simon Mitchem are absent through unavailability, meaning Josh Richardson, James Caldwell and Jim Ryall come in.

Martinstown: Nichols, Gerety, S Williams, Kershaw, Maltby, Andrews, Hill, Stewart, Durant, Coombs, Read

Dorchester: Roe, Owens, Ryall, Anderson, Belt, J Caldwell, Peak, Barrett, Richardson, Dunham, Walklett