DORCHESTER and Milton Keynes will battle it out for a regional knockout spot and a potential tilt at the Counties final at Twickenham on Saturday, March 14.

First, Dorchester must beat Milton Keynes in the Southern Counties Senior Vase Final.

Unlucky with the draw, the county town side head to Emerson Valley Park, home of the Warriors, to contest the match.

Whilst Dorchester are currently unbeaten in all competitions, and playing some strong attacking rugby, their opposition sit third in the Wadworth Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premiership having won 11 from 13 games with one draw.

Both teams come into the game off the back of big wins, Dorchester with an 88-3 result against Lytchett Minster and Milton Keynes with an 82-7 scoreline over Oxford.

Confidence will no doubt be high in both camps and the prospect of more silverware for the victor will spur the squads on.

The Warriors will pose an attacking threat to Highwood-sponsored Dorchester, having racked up an impressive 615 points in the league so far this season – 100 more than their opponents.

However, both teams have very solid defences with both conceding no more than 176 points.

Head coach Martin Oxland has worked hard to drill Dorchester this season turning them into a cohesive attacking side with a strong team spirit.

Consistency has been one key to the squad’s success with key partnerships remaining intact.

He commented: “It has been a real positive to select a squad with players that have been part of the group regularly throughout the season, this gives us the togetherness needed for the final.

“I hope the players will draw confidence from this and show the character and resilience that has been displayed so far this season.

“Although this is another away trip, which I’m sure MK will see as an advantage, we will be using that as motivation given the success we’ve had away from home this season.”

Captain James Newsam and vice-captain Callum King will expect all the players to be totally committed, switched on and concentrate fully from the warm-up and give everything on the pitch in the quest to lift the trophy and progress towards Twickenham.

They take a strong squad including seven replacements covering the key positions.

Club president Bob Andrews commented: “Whilst the players fully deserve the plaudits, we must recognise the outstanding contribution of the coaching team, Martin Oxland, ably assisted by Adam Makepeace.”

Chairman Nick Hodge added: “The club is already very proud of the squad’s performances this season and what they have already achieved, this final makes a statement to the level the players want perform at.”

For those unable to travel to Milton Keynes, the club will be live streaming the final at their Surcouf Park clubhouse. The Six Nations games will also be shown on the big screen.

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