FOLLOWING a tough away win on the road, Dorchester’s first XV will be looking to get their home campaign underway at Coburg Road tomorrow with a win against rivals Puddletown.

The Villagers will be looking to spoil the county town side’s party, whilst the home team will be keen to build momentum and win three games in succession.

Nothing less than the full five points will be good enough for team captain James Newsam.

Coach Martin Oxland was pleased that his side got a win against difficult opposition at Sherborne last week, although he noted the team were not at their best.

He said: “We created a couple of scoring opportunities at crucial times in the game, but failed to execute.

“It took us a long time to get into the game and then it was only in short spells.

“We need to be fully engaged through the match preparation and then the game, we switch off at times which allows the opposition to put us under pressure.”

Looking at this weekend he added: “I totally expect a physical encounter where we will need to be fully up for the challenge of this local derby.

“We need to create a foothold on the game quickly so as to create continuity in phase play right from the kick off.

“Keeping possession of the ball will be key, and this being our first home fixture we need to use that to our best advantage.”

Oxland will look to the experienced players on the field to control things and lead from the front.

Captain Newsam plays in a strong back row alongside Josh Hosford and Andy Dowell, with Dave Clarke and Rob Parker ready to unleash the backs and hold the defence tight.

No doubt a large crowd at Coburg Road will be willing both sides on in a hotly-contested Wadworth 6x Dorset & Wilts One South derby. Kick off at Coburg Road is 3pm.

It will be a busy day for the club, showing the England versus Argentina and Japan against Samoa World Cup matches, opening at 8.30am.

The first XV match will be watched by the club’s new match-day medic sponsors for the season Eco-Drainage and Dorchester’s own touring Gladiators who have one of their regular lunches.

Before the busy day, Dorchester’s third XV, the Gladiators, entertain Weymouth Seconds in another local derby, the Ridgeway Rumble, under the lights at 7.30pm tonight.

Playing in the Dorset & Wilts Merit table this will be a spirited game in every sense of the word.

Sunday as usual will see the burgeoning junior section, sponsored by Sunny Days Nursery, take on Taunton in the under-15 and under-16 age groups with the Colts entertaining Cobras at 2pm.

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