BERE REGIS 117 (4pts) lost to DORCHESTER 118-6 (18) by 4 wickets

DORCHESTER put the pressure back on Premier Two leaders Martinstown, as captain Dan Belt’s troops secured a four-wicket win over rivals Bere Regis.

Having been asked to bowl first at the Rec, Belt and man of the match Shaun Little claimed eight wickets between them as they ran through the Bere Regis batting order, with the visitors posting a meagre total of 117 all out.

Will Caldwell was the major contributor with the bat in the county town club’s reply, scoring 54 at the top of the order to put the hosts in the box seat.

“To bowl them out for 117 we were obviously very happy with,” Belt told Echosport.

“Shaun Little bowled well to take 4-14 off his 10 overs and I got 4-25 which was good. Everyone put in their shift and we got the wickets when we needed to.

“We lost six wickets chasing, and just lost a couple of wickets here and there when they bowled tightly, but then they would bowl some deliveries that would release the pressure a little bit and we managed to get over the winning line.”

And with Martinstown slumping to 90 all out in their loss to Sherborne, Dorchester’s 18-point haul means they close the gap to just seven on the leaders, who they host this weekend.

Belt added: “We need to capitalise on Martinstown’s mistake and try to get back on top. It’s gone our way and we have to take full advantage of that. we are up for it now even more than we were before.”