WEYMOUTH 117 (3pts) lost to PARLEY 118-4 (19pts) by six wickets

STRUGGLES in the batting department meant that Weymouth’s league campaign off to a turgid start as they were put in a spin by left-armer Dominic Clutterbuck, and suffered a six- wicket defeat to reigning champions Parley.

On his first game as captain of the league side, Weymouth’s Kieron Womble joint top scored with just 21 as the Seasiders staggered to 117 with over four overs of their innings left unused on what looked a slow wicket at Dean Park.

Womble told Echosport: “It’s just early season and people were struggling to get the ball off the square a little bit, but I was really proud of the fielding effort, everyone gave 100 per cent.”

Youngster Clutterbuck, who is part of the academy set up at Gloucestershire, ripped through the Seasiders’ middle order as the home side strangled Weymouth’s scoring with spin in the middle overs, as Ollie Shurbsole operated with his leg-breaks at the other end.

Clutterbuck finished with figures of 4-19 from his 10 overs to put hosts Parley in the box seat.

And although it only took Weymouth’s Matt Lawes two deliveries to claim one of his two wickets of the afternoon when Rob Viney was trapped lbw, a resolute second-wicket stand of 97 between Tom Jacques and Adam Cocking left Womble’s men with too much to do.

Parley captain Jacques top scored in the game with 54 before he was adjudged lbw to former Terras’ stalwart Simon Browne.

Weymouth skipper Womble added: “The result may not have gone our way but if we stick with that same attitude and commitment, we will be okay this year.

“I think people can take a few positives away, we bowled some good areas and if we got 40 or 50 more with the bat it might have been a bit more of a game.

“Nobody was gloomy in the dressing room and the spirit within the team is brilliant, if we can apply ourselves a bit better with the bat and keep the same standards in the field, this week looks very positive.”