BEAMINSTER are relishing the start of the new Wessex Internet County Division One season against Poole Town Seconds on Saturday (1pm).

Chris Park’s men come into the 2023 campaign having won County Division Two last season.

The Memorial Ground side will continue to place an emphasis on enjoying their cricket but, like many teams in Dorset, come into the opening weekend short on match time.

Rain has ruined many clubs’ pre-season activities, restricting them to indoor net sessions.

Park told the Bridport News: “We’re looking forward to getting going again, we start with a blank sheet.

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“We’ve had a frustrating last few weeks with the weather but we’ve had a decent run in the indoor nets since February.

“We had two friendlies planned last weekend but neither of them were fulfilled. We’re going in cold as a lot of people will be.

“Anything can happen, the pitch is looking very green and the outfield is pretty soft. We’ll turn up and see what happens.”

Beaminster have bolstered their pace ranks with Cattistock & Symene’s Brad Damen and Martinstown’s Ben Fry joining.

Tom Fowler and Lahiru Abeywickrama have left the club due to work, while James Edmunds (shoulder) and Rich Runyward (broken leg) miss the season.

Beaminster: Park, W Moss, Golledge, A Moss, Baker, Damen, Hillier, Jones, O Hey, Hansford-Harvey, Hollely.

Elsewhere, Cattistock & Symene host Blandford in the Premier League (1pm).