FORMER Weymouth all-rounder Collins Obuya will be hoping to help shock England later today in the ICC World Cup (1.30pm).

The talented cricketer was expected to line up against Michael Vaughan's men for Kenya this afternoon in St Lucia where both teams will bid to gain second spot in Group C to advance to the Super Eight Series.

Obuya has played in both Kenya's games so far helping them to victory over Canada before being involved in a crushing defeat against table leaders New Zealand.

The ex-Seasider, who played for the Dorset outfit in the summer of 2005, did not bat or bowl in his side's opening game but he did knock 21 against the Kiwis before losing his wicket to a sloppy run-out.

Weymouth secretary Michael Pearce said: "We watched him play against New Zealand and a few of the lads are getting together to watch him against England. He is not bowling now but is batting higher for Kenya than he was for Weymouth.

"He got 21 against New Zealand before being run out and I am sure he will do fine. Paul Payne is still in contact with him via e-mail and he is a nice lad. Even now he still asks after everybody."

The Seasiders have been busy preparing for the forthcoming season and they are currently in negotiations with an Australian teenager. The Redlands-based side will be looking to finish top of the pile in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League, which starts in May.

Pearce said: "Things are going really well. Some new faces have showed up for training with a couple from Portland and one from Bridport, and we are looking forward to what we hope will be a good season.

"We are halfway through out indoor sessions at the moment and we are making progress on an overseas player but we are just waiting to finalise that.

"Last time I spoke to you we were thinking about not bothering to get one in but we have been approached by someone representing a lad who is 19 and plays in a League in Victoria. It is now just a case of looking into everything and seeing what can be sorted out. Paul is doing the liaising for it and to be honest it only came about a couple of days ago."

Weymouth will travel to the Channel Islands next month.

Pearce added: "We are going to Guernsey to play a friendly on April 21 and we have got another one the week after that on April 28. On April 29 we will then take on New Milton in a National Cup game before the league starts the following Saturday away to Wimborne/Colehill."