New leaders Dorchester tackle Sherborne - cricket previews

⁠DORCHESTER skipper Gautham Rajendar believes the 100-over format suits his side going into a clash at Sherborne tomorrow (1pm).

Dorchy struggled in the T20s during weeks six to eight but picked up a well-calculated victory over Poole last time out to get their 100-over campaign off to a flier.

Added to their performances in the 50-over format, Dorchester now top the Wessex Internet Dorset Premier League table ahead of Bere Regis.

Asked if he feels the 100-over format was more to his team’s liking, Rajendar told Echosport: “Maybe. I do think if the T20s were part of the league, our results would have been different.

READ MORE: Dorchester beat Poole to take top spot - report

“But yes, we are happy to be back to the longer format. ⁠I believe the lads stay hungry for the wins as we have been this season.”

Rajendar is also wary of Sherborne’s batting power, following a score in excess of 300 last week against Bere.

“That many on a Saturday is very impressive and should make the game interesting,” he added.

“We get on well with them and we’re only looking forward to a good game of cricket.”

Dorchester Seconds host Bere Regis Seconds in a County Division Two derby tomorrow.

Dorchester Thirds host Buckhorn Weston in Six West, while Dorchester Fourths visit Verwood Thirds in Six East.

Dorchester: Belt, Hill, Rajendar, Jones, Owens, Barrett, Mitchem, Ja Stewart, Nobbs, Peach, Maltby.

Also in Premier One, Bere Regis are still smarting from conceding top spot to their near neighbours.

Brian Keegan’s men took a losing draw at Sherborne after a below-par bowling performance, leaving him in no doubt as to where his team must improve this week at home to Wimborne (1pm).

He said: “Specifically it’s putting the ball in the right areas and backing up those bowlers.

“I personally think we were let off the hook by Sherborne, they could’ve exerted more pressure on us.

“We need to keep it simple, hit lines and lengths and be patient. Six balls on the spot will do the job.

“If you can’t, you’re always going to let the opposition take advantage and then the pressure comes back on you.”

Bere make two changes, with Tim Goodhew and Rob Murphy missing out. Jacob Kennard and Theo Talbot replace the duo.

Bere: Robertson, White, Munnings, S Goodhew, Talbot, Kennard, J Keegan, Rogerson, Green, B Keegan, Walbridge.

Bere main sponsor: Booth Gadenne.

Bere first XI match ball sponsor: GMS Plumbing & Heating.

Bere second XI match ball sponsor: Dorset Reclamation.

In the division below, Martinstown are licking their wounds after losing their unbeaten record last week.

Charlie Durant’s men were on course for a sixth straight win, needing to chase 148, before being skittled for 96 by Christchurch.

Tomorrow, Town host Hamworthy Rec with Durant determined to unlock more performance from his team (1pm).

He said: “I want to see a reaction and everyone’s pretty keen to get out there and put it right.

“We know we did a good job with the ball, we’ve just got to bat a lot better than we did.

“We started the season really well, chasing four scores consecutively over 200. So, to fail in the smallest chase of the year on a pretty decent pitch is disappointing.

“We have to put it out of our minds, look at the five games before that and know what we can do.”

Town make two changes. Jack Kane and Fraser Hill are unavailable, meaning Henry Lewis and Jonny Samways return.

Martinstown Seconds face a tough test against second-placed Weymouth Seconds in Division Four tomorrow.

Martinstown: Nichols, Lewis, S Williams, Ry Gerety, F Williams, Kepple, Durant, Slocombe, Trotter, Samways, Rimmer.

Martinstown main sponsor: The Brewers Arms.

In the division below, Weymouth are in store for a mouth-watering top-of-the-table Division One clash at Corfe Mullen.

The Seasiders will tomorrow begin at the earlier time of 11am to avoid a clash with England v Switzerland at Euro 2024 (5pm).

However, teams in the two Premier divisions above Weymouth have been forbidden from starting early by league officials for “adjudication” reasons.

Football aside, Weymouth’s rivalry with Corfe has continued for another season with the two teams earning promotion from Division Two and contesting the 2022 T20 Trophy final, Weymouth coming out on top both times.

Skipper Lloyd Beals said: “I wouldn’t say it’s the biggest game but you have to give each game some form of title to whet the whistle of the readers!

“Sporting occasions are often over-hyped. Take this Saturday evening, for example.

“There isn’t a rivalry between us. We lost heavily once, learnt from our mistakes and have dominated since.”

Weymouth make three changes with Ben Lawes, Jonny Armfield and John Wilson returning for Mark Gregory, Pete Sapsworth and Connor Wills.

Weymouth: Haylock, Wilson, Walton, B Lawes, Womble, Beals, Mitchell, J Sapsworth, Armfield, Urumancheri, Ahmad.

Matchday sponsor: Active Mobility.

Also in Division One, Portland Red Triangle visit former leaders Marnhull, now third after Corfe and Weymouth overtook them last weekend.

Matt Randell’s men are loitering above the bottom two in eighth, having struggled for consistency this season.

Seam bowler Joe Adkins is not surprised by Marnhull’s form this season.

“I wouldn’t say so,” he said.

“They’ve had the same group of young lads for a couple of years and they’ve started to come together, learn their games and the results are showing it.

“We should apply ourselves better. It’s a good chance for some of us to step up and swing the form into our favour. Hopefully we can turn the corner.”

Triangle are without Randell, Callan Laws, Dave Adkins and Simon Proffitt for the clash.

Portland’s second string host Shaftesbury Seconds in Division Five tomorrow.

Main sponsor: A2Z Landscaping.

Finally, Puddletown are aiming for a big reaction to last week’s 10-wicket thrashing by Sturminster & Hinton.

The Kingfishers shipped 199 runs in 19.3 overs as Stur put their under-strength attack to the sword.

Skipper Adam Barrett is once more faced with selection problems and feels his side are underdogs going into a trip to Cerne Valley tomorrow (1pm).

Barrett said: “They’re doing really well recently, so it’s probably the worst time to play them, when we’re struggling.

“That being said, the 11 that turn up will put in 100 per cent effort, do the best they can and see what happens.”

Rob Snow steps up to lead the side this weekend, with Barrett adding: “It is what it is.

“Luckily, Snowy being Scottish meant he’s got nothing to cheer about this weekend so he’s happy to step in and lead the side!”

Puddletown: D Morris, J Morris, J Gower, T Gower, E Snow, R Snow, Edwards, Phillips, Crabb, Ennals, Derrien.