Dorchester SECONDS 196-9 (6pts) lost to WIMBORNE & COLEHILL SECONDS 199-3 (19pts) by seven wickets

DESPITE a valiant effort, Dorchester Seconds were unable to halt the progress of Dorset League Division Two leaders Wimborne & Colehill.

The county town side closed on 196-9, thanks to fine knocks from skipper Stuart Beasley (51 not out) and opener Pete Diffy (48), but failed to take sufficient wickets as the table-toppers completed the chase with plenty in reserve.

Reflecting on the seven-wicket defeat, Beasley said: “We knew that it was going to be a tough battle with Wimborne looking favourites to win the league.

“After losing the toss and being asked to bat, Pete Diffy and the returning Colin Edney (21) got us off to a flying start, putting on 72 for the first wicket.

“Colin was the first to go and then James Caldwell, who batted well last week, went for a duck.

“Rhys Cole (18) joined Pete at the crease and helped put on 34 for the next wicket before he was caught off the bowling of the Wimborne captain.

“Pete was the next to go and then I joined Tony Foot (3) before he played at a shot too early and it went straight to the fielder at covers.

“Batsmen came and went and we managed to get to 196 with myself hitting 51 not out.

“We also managed to bat out our overs and stop Wimborne getting maximum bowling points.

“Pete Horne (0-44) opened the bowling and was unlucky with the Wimborne openers taking a liking to his pace and the slow wicket.

“James (1-44) took the new ball from the other end and struck first when he bowled their opener in his third over.

“With things not going to plan it was another 20 overs before we got another wicket, with Aaron Oliver (1-20) having Wimborne’s number three caught and bowled.

“I (1-42) then managed to remove the other opener but by then most of the damage had already been done, leaving the Wimborne captain and number five to finish off the run chase.

“The lads fought very well and there were some positives to come out of the game. With four games remaining and four teams below us all we can concentrate on is finishing the season on a high and aiming for a mid-table finish.”

Dorchester Seconds travel to Christchurch this weekend.