TOMORROW sees another tantalising Wadworth Dorset & Wilts One South derby between unbeaten leaders Dorchester and Puddletown at Greenfields.

Dorchester, unbeaten in 16 games in all competitions, currently sit seven points clear of second-placed Weymouth with a game in hand. The Seahorses travel to Lytchett tomorrow.

Coach Martin Oxland is fully aware that Puddletown will want to make amends for their 42-9 loss in the reverse fixture at Surcouf Park and after heavy losses to Bournemouth and Wimborne the Villagers will be keen to get their league campaign back on track.

As always they will play with commitment and courage and take the game to Dorchester.

After last week’s strong performance against a determined Sherborne, Oxland noted he was pleased to see his side execute a lot of the things worked on in training and followed up.

He said: “Although they started strongly at the start of both halves we were able to put them under pressure by breaking their defensive line with hard running lines.

“Something we’ve talked about is to ensure we put teams under pressure when carrying the ball, being aware of space in the opposition defensive line – Puddletown will be a different challenge, where I’m sure they will be looking to capitalise on home advantage.

“As with every game the squad will not be underestimating the opposition but will be concentrating on playing our game to achieve a positive outcome.”

Oxland again has a settled side with few changes to face Puddletown. Lee King and Tom Evans both return to the squad on the bench and the versatile Andy Dowell remains at scrum-half.

Last weekend’s man of the match Chris Elliott will lead from the front row whilst captain James Newsam and his back row partners Josh Hosford and Charlie Sharpe are ready to take the game to the opposition.

Both the returning Jamie Morgan and record try scorer James Baker will be keen to cross the line for Dorchester as often as they receive the ball.

No doubt a big crowd will cheer both sides on.

Dorchester’s Gladiators play Poole Seconds in a friendly at Surcouf Park (2.15pm).

Captain Tony O’Connell has an experienced squad to select from.

Sunday morning has the under-12s and under-16s taking on Wimborne and Crewkerne respectively in the morning and the under-18 girls’ team taking on Bridgwater in the afternoon (2pm).

The Ridgeway Roses entertain Swanage & Wareham ladies at Weymouth’s Monmouth Avenue ground (2pm).

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