DORCHESTER recovered from an almost impossible position to overcome a West Dorset representative XI at the Rec, as part of the club’s cricket week.

The match took place in memory of Phil Mesney, and former players, supporters, friends, sponsors and vice-presidents of the club were in attendance for lunch on the day.

Batting first, West Dorset posted 245 all out in the first innings with Martinstown batsman Sam Kershaw top scoring for the away side with 72.

Portland’s Olly Whisker and Martinstown skipper Ed Nicholls both scored 20, and Tom Adams added 38 for the visitors.

West Dorset were well in the ascendancy when they had the county town side reeling at 20-4 in reply, after Weymouth’s David Trotter and Beaminster’s Ross Baker ripped their way through the hosts’ top order.

But up stepped regular second team captain Stuart Beasley, who steadied the ship for his side and weathered the storm, producing a man-of-the-match innings of 76, ably assisted by Eamonn Scott with 59 as the home side got over the line with three wickets to spare.

The returning Martyn Richards also scored a useful 30 for the county town side.

On the day, Bill Sibley was given an honorary life-president award for all his work and a loyal servant award was also presented to stalwart Colin Edney, who has just retired from playing after nearly 40 years and is set to join the youth team coaches for next season.