Gautham Rajendar’s Dorchester side got off to the perfect start to their title defence last weekend after a thrilling three wicket win over Wimborne.
Jack Owens was the in-form man as he hit a stunning 93 as Dorchester battled their way to victory at The Leaze.
Dorchester will also be brimming with confidence having beaten Bere twice in the T20 Trophy earlier this month but Rajendar is all too aware that it will be a different type of game in the longer format when Brian Keegan’s side vist the Rec today (12.30pm).
Ahead of the tie he said: “I think we played Bere in very different conditions earlier this month but we do want to pick up from last week’s win as well. Expecting a good game of cricket.”
Bere on the other hand come into the game off the back of an eight wicket victory over Sherborne.
Keegan’s men duly dispatched their opponents courtesy of a breathtaking knock from Cam Robertson who hit 124 off 88 balls.
The Bere skipper is looking forward to the challenge of taking on the reigning champions in their backyard and knows his team will have to be at their best if they are to get a result.
He said: “Dorchester have set the barometer, with regards to consistency in recent seasons and for us to compete we have to be disciplined, which will allow us to execute our game plan.
“We were unfortunate to lose this fixture to the weather last season so it will be interesting how we match up in the longer format and are looking forward to the game on Saturday”.
The game will also be played in memory of former Dorchester player and club secretary John Hopkins who sadly passed away.
He played for the club in the 60s and 70s as well as a four-year stint as secretary in that time before moving away.
After moving back to the area he returned to the role of secretary for another five years between 2004-2009.
Dorchester remain unchanged from their win over Wimborne whilst Bere make three changes from last weekend, with Eral Anderson, Pete Macklin and Theo Talbot coming into the side at the expense of Jacob Kennard, Rich Payne and Cam Robertson.
DORCHESTER XI: Barrett A; Barrett J; Belt ; Durant; Jones; Maltby; Mitchem; Owens; Rajendar (c); Ryall; Stewart Je
BERE REGIS XI: Anderson, Cole, S.Goodhew, T.Goodhew, D.Griffiths, B.Keegan, J.Keegan, Macklin, Murphy, Rogerson, Talbot.
Elsewhere, Dorchester Seconds will be travelling to Sturminster & Hinton as Billy baker’s side continue their County Division Two campaign.
Bere Regis Seconds also who host Compton House looking for their second win of the season in County Division Two.
DORCHESTER II XI: Singh, Dunham, M.Peak, Baker, J.Peak, Underhay, Alford, Peach, Voss, Stewart, Wathen
BERE REGIS II XI: Crompton, Fraser, King, Mardo, Perham, Price, Raymond, F.Smith, P.Smith, Swain, Walbridge.