DORSET & Wilts’ bid for a place in a Twickenham final next month begins with the start of their County Championship Shield campaign on Saturday.

The Twin Counties, beaten 49-15 by Leicestershire in the semi finals last season, travel to Gosport & Fareham RFC to take on Hampshire in their opening Pool Three encounter (3pm).

Dorset & Wilts, captained by Royal Wootton Bassett skipper Dave Hogg, won back-to-back Shield triumphs in 2010 and 2011 under the leadership of current Bassett head coach Alan Low.

Royal Wootton Bassett RFC will host their second pool match on May 14 as Berkshire are the visitors, coinciding with the club’s annual Cider & Sausage Festival.

“From the start, when we moved to Ballards Ash, we always wanted to be able to hold representative games,’’ said Bassett chairman Chris Elias.

“With this County Championship match during the festival showcasing our quality pitches and first class facilities, we’ve achieved that yet again.

The festival starts at noon with entry £3 on the gate, Under 18s free to enter and car parking available on site. The May 14 match kicks off at 3pm.

Dorset & Wilts (v Hampshire): 15 James Haynes, 14 Ollie Wilson, 13 Adam Geal, 12 Joe Nalabuabua, 11 Tom Stewart, 10 S Baker, 9 Tim Berry, 1 Will Hooper, 2 Phil Bardwell, 3 Gary Williamson, 4 Jamie Pittams, 5 Lewis Paget, 6 Neil Ketchley, 7 Gavin Ougan, 8 David Hogg (captain). Replacements: 16 Nick Audley, 17 Jordan Rye, 18 Joe Petit, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Hamish Renwick, 21 Seb Eades, 22 Elye Darragh.