THE Dorset & Wilts U20 side will get their Jason Leonard County Championship campaign under way on Sunday when Hampshire pay a visit to Wiltshire.

The dual counties youngsters will meet the pool leaders at Trowbridge RFC’s Paxcroft home this weekend champing at the bit following the postponement of their opening fixture against Somerset.

Among the squad will be Royal Wootton Bassett duo Alma Volavola and Charlie Hix, with Swindon’s Aminio Naiova, and Marlborough talents Tom Elbrow and Bradley Whitley also included.

With Somerset unable to raise a side in their first-round fixture against Hampshire, the South Coast county currently lead the three-team pool courtesy of a walkover win.

Dorset & Wilts head coach Martin Payne was left frustrated when the Somerset game was called off and is itching to see his squad put in a great performance in a championship game.

“The players selected this week are well prepared and excited for the challenges that Hampshire will bring,” he said.

“They have trained well and we have a fully fit squad to choose from.

“This our first opportunity in the championship to test ourselves and everyone involved can’t Wait for Sunday.”

The setback of the Somerset cancellation has not left a negative impact on the squad.

Indeed, they have maintained a forward outlook on the training pitch.

Team manager Richard Rees added: “They are showing great resilience as a squad.

“After preparations being disrupted against Somerset, they have kept focusing on the objectives of the team.

“The squad worked very hard at training last Sunday and are really looking forward to taking on group leaders Hampshire.”

There is plenty of positive energy to go round within the squad at present, says co-captain Alex Peel.

He said: “As a team we are looking forward to the challenges ahead. And we are excited to get started on Sunday, this team has endless possibilities.”