AFTER a two-week break, Dorchester take the short journey to The Terraces at Sherborne, to lock horns with the Counties One Tribute Southern South league leaders tomorrow.

With only one loss so far this season, the home side will be favourites in many people’s minds.

However, with a number of players out through injury and some playing out of position, Dorchester came back strongly against North Dorset last time out to narrowly miss out on the win.

North Dorset being the one side Sherborne have succumbed to this term.

READ MORE: Dorchester 21-26 North Dorset - report

Dorchester are beginning to build performance but just need to keep levels high for the full 80 minutes to grind out a result against the teams above them in the table.

The coaching team are confident the squad can perform at the levels required for this league, the players are building partnerships in key areas, and as the season continues this bodes well for a climb up the table.

Steve Tucker will lead out a strong side, knowing the opposition coaching team will believe they have a good idea of Dorchester’s game plan, given former coach Josh Ovey is now part of the Sherborne setup.

Influential centre Jack Adams is out following a concussion, fly-half Alex Peel with a rib injury, and Callum Mullins is also out injured.

Front row regulars Tom Louch, Joe Underhill and Scott Clarke are all available, while Callum King will test his shoulder injury before a late decision is made about his return.

Charlie Sharpe is also in consideration following recent injuries.

Dorchester sit eighth in the table, sandwiched between Combe Down and Weymouth & Portland, who play each other at Bramble Way this weekend.

Dorchester need a victory, or a losing bonus point, to prevent their nearest geographical rivals going above them should they win. Meanwhile, a win for Dorchester could take them above Combe.

Dorchester are also in action against Sherborne Seconds who lie third in the Counties Three Tribute Dorset & Wilts table, whilst Dorchester find themselves in eighth.

The side will need to be at their best to come away with a result to get their season back on track.

Last Friday, Dorchester Gladiators took on Puddletown Pirates in a friendly encounter with a large number of the club’s new prospects making debuts in senior rugby, stepping up from the Colts.

Added to that a few players coming out of retirement and some of the junior section coaches turning out, Dorchester had close to 40 players all keen to play grass roots social rugby. The Villagers took the honours 35-26 at Surcouf Park in an exciting encounter.