DORSET captain Giles Legg has set his sights on ending the county’s 39-year winless streak in the South West Counties’ matchplay shield next month.

Legg, who took over the two-year captaincy from Iain Donnelly, started his South East League fixtures with a narrow 7-5 defeat to local rivals Hampshire on Sunday.

Despite the league loss, Legg is confident his side has a realistic chance of winning the South West Week Matchplay Shield at Saunton on June 5-10.

“Our best weapon is our team spirit,” said Legg. “Amazingly, the county has not won the shield since 1972, but I feel we have the right blend of players that can rectify that.”

Legg, however, knows he must address the county’s foursomes failings that led to the Hampshire defeat.

“Luckily I have a friendly against the Army before South West Counties Week to try out a few new pairings,” said Legg.

Dorset claimed only half a point in the morning foursomes as Hampshire built a commanding 3½ to ½ lead at lunch.

A comeback looked on the cards when assistant captain David Cook was four up after nine holes before being pegged back by Sam Robertshawe who won by two holes.

There were wins, however, for David Norton, Jon Welch and newly-crowned Four Counties junior champion Robbie K Mabb as Dorset won the singles 4½ to 3½.

Dorset: David Cook (Parkstone), Matt Hector (Ferndown), Tom Leech (Ferndown), David Norton (Parkstone), Giles Legg (Ferndown), Robbie K Mabb (Weymouth), Dean Barnes (Ferndown), Jon Welch (Weymouth).