SKIPPER Simon Mitchem is happy to see Dan Belt “leading from the front” with the bat this term.

The former Dorchester captain has already made scores of 82 against Martinstown and an unbeaten 68 against Shillingstone on the opening two weeks of the campaign.

And while Belt, like the rest of the county town side, was dismissed cheaply against Poole last time out, Mitchem is delighted by the contribution he has made so far.

He told Echosport: “We have had a couple of individuals perform very well. Dan with the bat has been very good this year.

“He is enjoying his cricket and he wants to do well which is the main thing.”

Asked about using the former Dorset man in an opening role, Mitchem replied: “I think the conversation sort of went ‘I’m opening this year Si? Alright?!’.

“I am more than happy for him to bat where he likes with all of his experience and ability, it’s great that he is leading from the front.”

Speaking further about his side, Mitchem added: “To be honest, I am really impressed with everyone. The attitude and application of everyone has been great.

“We still have people who are yet to fire so I am really happy overall.

“Our strength in depth this year is so much better than last year.”

With their clash at Sherborne washed out last week, Dorchester are set to lock horns with joint table-toppers Wimborne & Colehill at the Rec tomorrow (1pm).

Wimborne currently have 53 points at the league summit alongside Martinstown, but with just five points separating the top six in the division, Mitchem is happy to see the standings are currently wide open.

He added: “It makes it much more interesting, rather having a monopoly one or two teams there are three or four teams who are probably in with a chance of winning it, which is really good and makes it more competitive.

“We are very positive. Obviously we are eager to get out and play because we didn’t play last week.”

“We know Wimborne are one of the stronger teams in the league so we are looking forward to a really competitive game of cricket.

“They were there or thereabouts last year.

“They have lost a player or two I think but they still have some very good players and you

expect them to be around there knocking on the door.”