DORSET INDIAN TIGERS 109 (6pts) lost to CHARLTON DOWN 167 (18pts) by 58 runs

CHARLTON Down and spinner Kim Park were in seventh heaven after a 58-run success over Dorset Indian Tigers in their County Division Three battle at Branksome Rec.

Spinner Park claimed extraordinary figures of 7-36 to help his side to a seventh successive win and maintain their impressive unbeaten start to the season.

After winning the toss, Charlton Down elected to bat in very warm conditions but soon lost Jae Miller (6) to a run out.

Nick Voss (34) and Jack Eveleigh (30) built a steady stand but when Voss hit a full-toss to mid-wicket and Eveleigh was trapped leg before the visitors found themselves at 79-3.

Sam Roles, fresh from a staggering unbeaten 200 in midweek, added a quick-fire 32 to push the score to 126-4 but Roger Frapwell (18) and Park (19) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures as the away side closed on 167 all out.

In reply, Dorset Indians found it tough to score against the accuracy of Dan Stevens (1-24) and Matt Stevens (0-11), labouring to 12-0 off eight overs.

Dan Stevens struck first by finding Vinod Chakrapani’s inside edge to leave the hosts on 17-1, before the introduction of Park brought about a rapid demise.

His first two overs yielded three wickets as Miller, Eveleigh and Roles all took well-judged catches.

Only Dino Thakkar (42) resisted the away attack but when he was bowled by Javed Gill (2-31), Dorset Indians crumbled.

Park’s magnificent seven was completed when he drew poor shot selection in the face of some attempted huge blows by the tail-end, eventually finishing with 7-36 from just 7.3 overs.

All seven of Park’s victims were out caught as Charlton Down turned in an excellent fielding display.

Commenting after the win, captain Tommy Tucker was delighted with his side’s bowling performance.

He said: “It was great to remain unbeaten but the fielding performance was one of the best this season.

“Kim Park and Javed Gill bowled beautifully as a pair and so did Matt and Dan Stevens.”

Next up for table-toppers Charlton Down, who have dropped just three points all season, is a home game against fourth-placed Sturminster Marshall, who sit 29 points behind the leaders on 108 points.