FOLLOWING the success of winning the Dorset & Wilts Vase, Dorchester play beaten finalists Oakmeadians (2.15pm) tomorrow.

The Bournemouth-based side are sure to want revenge and currently lie sixth in the Wadworth 6X Dorset & Wilts One South table having lost two games.

Dorchester will field a largely unchanged side from the squad that won the Vase final, and will want to restart their league campaign with a win to challenge for top spot again. With Sam Jones rested James Bryant-Harries starts and James Baker is benched for Jamie Morgan. Thomas Harries makes his first XV squad debut following good performances in training and for the second XV.

Coach Ben Parker is keen to win the full 10 points available from the last two games of 2017 and to top the league. He said: “We have addressed our discipline issues again and the squad have been told the unforced penalties must stop if we are to move forward.”

With ladies’ rugby seeing a great upsurge in both participation and interest, Dorchester, Weymouth & Portland Ladies’ team will play their league match, against Jersey Reds, ahead of the men tomorrow (12.30pm).

Sam Wilson, Dorchester, Weymouth & Portland ladies’ coach is excited for the opening match, and said: “This is a first for the club and it is great to be playing on the same day as the men.

“This will enable us to have a larger crowd and with ladies’ rugby now in the spotlight more we’re looking forward to a great game against Jersey and to show how well the ladies play. We hope to dazzle the crowd.”

Two of Wilson’s side have progressed through the youth sections in Dorchester and Weymouth, with centre Jenna Taylor and prop Imogen Parker having also represented Dorset. Wilson said: “This is a testament to youth rugby and how far we have come in fielding girls and ladies sides.”

Currently playing in the Women’s NC South League, the home team lie fourth having won two of their three games while Jersey Reds lie one place below with only one win. Both teams could potentially move up a place with a win.

Saturday also has the third XV Gladiators entertaining Swanage & Wareham Thirds in a game likely to be played in a great spirit.

Dorchester Under-14s take on Oakmeadians tonight (7.30pm). Sunday sees the junior section welcoming Weymouth Minis and Bournemouth Under-12s plus North Dorset Under-13s and Sherborne Under-15s in the Dorset & Wilts Cup.

n Weymouth & Portland host North Dorset II at Monmouth Avenue tomorrow.