FOLLOWING a bittersweet weekend Dorchester aim to get another win for the first team and field a second team to avoid any further lost points and start their league campaign.

The first XV travel to Slaughtergate to face North Dorset (3pm), where no doubt the game will be hard fought and Dorchester will have to dig deep with players still out injured, including club captain James Newsam, and some players on holiday along with several players heading back to university.

Returning to the first team, Jamie Ritchie will start at tight head in the front row while Matt Fry returns from holiday and Jake Bosher from injury.

Coach Ben Parker said after selection: “Numbers at training remain high, but it has been another difficult week for selection.

"Following a mixed weekend we have been back training hard and working on key areas highlighted in the Bournemouth game.

"The main thing this week was to put out a second team as a priority and this has given a great opportunity for some players to step up to the first XV.”

The seconds will be led out at Coburg Road this Saturday by Laurence Burch a product of Dorchester’s successful youth section.

Following some great performances on the pitch for the first and second team last season, Burch was rewarded with the vice- captaincy for the new season.

With Rob Parker stepping up to the first team this weekend, Burch will lead the side for the first time.

Other games at Coburg Road this weekend see the under-15s lock horns with rivals Bridport in the Dorset & Wilts Cup, the under-16s entertain Bournemouth while the minis and under-13s are all training.

The afternoon sees the Colts entertain Salisbury in what promises to be an entertaining game.

The ever-improving ladies' side, fresh from their Inner Warrior victory at Yeovil last weekend travel to Havant for their league fixture.