BEAMINSTER captain Ross Baker has emphasised the need for his troops to “bounce back quickly” ahead of a trip to Shaftesbury in County Division Two on Saturday (1.30pm).

Baker’s men were skittled for 86 by promotion rivals Puddletown during a 101-run defeat last time out but can find solace in their league position of second – four points above Puddle and 12 behind leaders Witchampton.

Beaminster visit promoted side Shaftesbury, who have enjoyed a strong first season in the division, currently occupying fifth.

Baker told the Bridport News: “We need to bounce back quickly. We’ve played really well away from home, which is a bit strange – we’ve had a few defeats at home.

“Maybe we play with a bit less pressure when we play away, which is a bit odd. When we played Shaftesbury at home we won quite comfortably, so we’re looking forward to the challenge and we need to bounce back and see a good response.

“You’re always going to have your off days. That’s what we’ve got to accept and move on from there.”

Baker added: “Everyone sensed (promotion) was going to go right down to the last game so we were prepared for that. It looks like three teams are very closely matched and it just depends on who has the best form going into the last month.”

Chris Park and Ollie Bareham replace Simon Jones and Richard Runyard.

Beaminster: Park, Baker, Runyard, Crawford, Swift, Tozer, O Bareham, L Gurd, A Moss, Hollely, Persey, W Moss