FOLLOWING last Saturday’s last-minute win at Weymouth, Dorchester’s first team still remain unbeaten and top of the Wadworth 6X Dorset & Wilts One South table.

However, head coach Martin Oxland is fully aware that although Swanage & Wareham’s second string have yet to register a win in this campaign, the Swans will want to claim the scalp of the county town side.

With a tight-knit squad and keen to keep the momentum rolling, Oxland will make as few changes as possible to keep the core of the team stable with everyone knowing each other’s game well.

He knows he has some senior players in the squad he can rely on, and the ideal blend with youth coming through from the club’s own junior setup.

Dave Cottell returns to a starting place in the front row after recovering from injury, Rob Parker replaces the injured James McKendry at fly-half and Laurence Burch comes into the second row to partner Lee King.

Swanage & Wareham Seconds, as always, will be another stern test of Dorchester’s resilience and will to win.

The Highwood-sponsored team all know how tough an afternoon this is likely to be. Whatever their previous results, this is a game the Swans will want badly.

Meanwhile, Dorchester’s A XV head to Poole who sit two places below them in the Wadworth 6X Dorset & Wilts Two South league table.

The team had a great home win against Wimborne Thirds last Saturday and will want more of the same this week.

Matt Fry will be under no illusions that this will be a hard-fought game. Both clubs have very similar records with Dorchester collecting more bonus points to sit higher in the table.

The club’s weekend kicks off this evening at 7.30pm at Surcouf Park with the Gladiators taking on a combined Puddletown & Blandford second team.

Last time out, the Gladiators lost narrowly at Enterprise Park to a strong combined side.

On Sunday, there will be two youth teams at home. The under-15s and under-16s both entertain Sidmouth and the successful Colts side travel to Chippenham.

Dorchester’s under-18 girls are due to meet Trojans at Surcouf Park however there is some doubt over the opposition fielding a side.

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