IT WAS a busy weekend of cricket for Martinstown captain Ed Nichols, who, a day after featuring for his club, was selected to play for the Dorset Leopards development XI to take on Devon Lions on Sunday.

Nichols has been in scintillating form with 556 Dorset Premier League runs to his name for Martinstown this season, at an average of 50.55 to catch the eye of the Dorset selectors.

And, while he was dismissed cheaply for just four in the fixture in Torquay, the opener insisted it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

“It was a good run out and it was nice to see some old faces from junior days and things. It was a good game of cricket as well,” said the Villagers’ skipper, who was part of the Dorset side who won by 39 runs.

“I always enjoy representative cricket and any call up to those types of games. To test myself a bit more was good and it’s nice to see what it’s all about really.

“There were some fantastic players in the whole team and it was a real step up for me but it’s always good to know that if you are doing well in the Dorset league you will be looked at.

“If I get the call, I am always going to say yes if I can play.”

Dorset’s Josh Digby, who captained the side on the day, scored 81 to help his side post 256-7 from 50 overs.

The visitors then bowled Devon out for 217 in reply with Wimborne’s Simon Woodruff taking 3-22.

Nichols made 40 at the top of the order for Martinstown a day previously as they fell to a five-wicket defeat at Swanage.

Just four of the visiting batsmen made double figures as Martinstown were bowled out for 185. The Swans reached their victory target with 15 overs to spare.

“We were disappointed. I think that the big thing was the fact that our top three all got in and none of us took it on,” Nichols added.

“The fact we didn’t get a good total on the board and put pressure on them from there really disappointed us.

“Giving away cheap wickets to spin was a real disappointment I think.”

Martinstown are currently fifth in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier Division.