BEAMINSTER captain Ross Baker has set his newly-promoted side the target of consolidating their position in County Division Two this season.

Baker’s men put together a stunning run of victories to lift themselves up from County Division Three last campaign, and hopes are high for the West Dorset team for the new term ahead.

Baker, whose outfit have had to cancel their pre-season fixtures due to a wet Memorial Ground pitch, told the Bridport News: “We’re really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a really big challenge for us. Everyone’s really keen to get started.

“Pre-season has been difficult with the wet weather. We haven’t been able to practice too much with our ground, so it’s going to be a difficult start because of the rain.”

Despite issues with the recent inclement weather, Baker is satisfied with the opening fixtures handed to his side, with a home game against demoted Wimborne & Colehill Seconds on May 5 followed by a trip to Marnhull.

He said: We’re quite happy with the start we’ve got. We’re looking to get two victories in the first four games. It’s important to do well at home and hopefully get a couple of away victories as well.

“Our aim is to consolidate our position and then see how we go, although we said the same last year and went on a really good run.”

Beaminster have also added former North Perrott star Joe Hawkins to their ranks, the all-rounder returning

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to Beaminster after a couple of years with the Somerset side, along with former Bridport man Ollie Bareham to join the club’s promising selection of youngsters.

“We’ve kept the same squad from last year and added Joe. He’ll slot straight in the top order and he’s a useful bowling option as well.

“(The youngsters) really excelled last year, particularly Will Moss who bowled first change nearly all season.

“Lewis Keenan is an exciting player batting in the middle order. They’re available through the season so they will get their opportunity.

“We’ve also got Ollie and our policy is to try and play three or four of our own players from the youth system,” Baker said.