THE Dorchester & District Evening League Select XI claimed the honours in a commemorative match that celebrated the unveiling of the new Doug Read scorebox at the Rec.

Read, who sadly passed away last year, was president of both the Dorchester & District Evening League and Dorchester Cricket Club.

Therefore it was fitting that a DDEL Select XI should take on a Dorchester CC representative team in the first match played using the new scorebox.

Read’s widow Judith and sons Adam and Gordon, were on hand to officially open the memorial in front of more than 200 invited guests and spectators.

The match itself was a close encounter with the DDEL eventually coming out on top by three wickets in the penultimate over, having been made to chase 118 for victory.

Winning captain Sean Walbridge, a former Dorchester skipper as well, was presented with the Doug Read Memorial Trophy while team-mate Simon Ross of Dewlish received the Hearn Group Man of the Match award from Shaun Hearn.

Pete Tucker, who played for Dorchester in the Twenty20 contest, said: “It was sad that Doug was not here to see the completion of the scorebox but his wife Judith and sons all agreed that Doug would have approved.

“The scorebox had been at a draft stage for seven years and the first plans were drawn up following a conversation with Doug, John Sibley and myself.

“However, if it had not been for our sponsors the Hearn Group and Inspired Home Improvements, and in particular the directors Shaun Hearn, Ian Pollock and project manager Simon Guy, the scorebox would still be a dream.

“So many other local craftsmen have been involved in the building project, which will benefit the Dorchester community for years to come. They are Paul Toms Carpentry, Richard Drake, Andy Beasley and Mat Chalmers from Premier Partitions and Ceilings, Jewsons, Will Hicks Electrical, Nick House from Mitie and Pete Lucas Painting and Decorating.

“Any building project needs financial help and we have been extremely lucky to have the following people involved. The vice presidents of Dorchester CC, Dennis Holmes and Steve Newman (Dorchester Town Council), Nick Thornley and Emma Peel (West Dorset District Council), Community Development Fund-raising from the Car Boot Committee, Dorset Disabled County Cricket Club, Dorset Minor Counties Cricket Club, St George’s CC, The Hardyians, The Alice Cooper Dean Trust and Jessie Barrett, wife of the late Ray Barrett.

“Plus we had fundraising events held at the Victoria Hotel by Emma and Rick, and the Three Peaks Challenge by Doug’s son Adam and others. Thanks also go to George Tucker from The Quality Butcher in Maud Road for supplying the barbecue.”