BERE REGIS 236-9 (20pts) beat SWANAGE 181 (7pts) by 55 runs

BERE Regis picked up their second consecutive victory and inflicted bottom side Swanage’s seventh defeat of the season with a 55-run success at Bere Regis Rec in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League.

Batting first after winning the toss, Rich Cole’s men were quickly into their stride, openers Matt King (89) and Rich Payne (29) amassing a 77-run stand for the first wicket until the latter became the sole victim of Steve Kent (1-37).

Last week’s centurion Rob Murphy (4) fell cheaply soon afterwards as the Swans worked their way into the game at 85-2.

King and new batsman Cole responded by upping the scoring rate, Cole’s 34 coming from 35 balls, before King was ousted 11 runs short of a ton, the duo having put on 75.

Mike Hernandez (3-47) ran through the middle order and Ryan Norman (2-45) also chipped away before a terrific late knock from Garry King (25no) helped Bere to maximum batting points.

Swanage made a poor start in reply as Crispin Brown (2-25) and Matt King (2-19) reduced the visitors to 37-4.

Only an 88-run partnership between Simon Goldsack (68) and Norman (64) got the Swans back into contention until the former was caught off the bowling of Jacob Kennard (4-29).

At 125-5 and still needing 112 runs, Norman fought on but eventually perished to the superb Kennard as Bere closed out an important triumph.

Speaking to Echosport, Cole was “really happy” to have earned a second straight win.

He said: “We bowled really well to start off and took our chances. There was a period of time when Ryan Norman and their number three were going nicely.

“But we used eight bowlers. It meant Swanage were guessing to an extent. We managed to put pressure on them and take wickets at crucial times.

“I’m really happy to win in front of what was quite a good crowd at home.”

Cole also highlighted four performances for special mention, adding: “Matt’s 89 was a really well executed knock and he hit the accelerator button at the right time.

“Rich Payne did a really good job for us filling in our opening spot and there were some vital runs from Garry at the end to get us full batting points.

“Jacob with the ball bowled really well in what was quite a tough time. He picked up a four-for and two crucial wickets – a lot of credit to him.”

*Bere Regis Seconds 98-9 (16pts) beat Blandford Seconds 70 (4pts) by 28 runs in County Division Five.

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