ROYAL CHALLENGERS SPORTS 190-9 (8pts) lost to PUDDLETOWN 256-6 (19pts) by 66 runs

PUDDLETOWN maintained leadership of County Division Four after defeating Royal Challengers Sports by 66 runs at Charborough Road, Broadstone.

Opting to bat first, Puddletown made hay in the sunshine as captain Adam Barrett scored a measured and unruffled 100.

Barrett was ably supported by a quick-fire 43 from opener Lucas Allen and a well-crafted 48 from Adam Weir as Puddletown reached a huge total of 256-6 from their 40 overs.

Extracting some unpredictable bounce from a dry pitch, Jiju Thomas (2-45) was the pick of the home bowlers.

In reply, Royal Challengers lost captain and opener Jobi Jose for a two-ball duck to unorthodox paceman Weir (4-24).

However, a spirited fightback from the home-side then ensued, with the resolute Shaji Jose (44) and shot-playing Sanin Suresh (62) using the crease well to manoeuvre the ball through a quick and diminutive outfield.

At this point the game stood in the balance, with Puddletown’s bowlers toiling in the blazing heat.

Cue the introduction of off-spinner Tom Arkell, whose miserly spin (2-27 from 8 overs) and stunningly-deft slip catch to remove Sanin, triggered the home side’s collapse.

Crucially, it was the stumping of the attacking danger man Joby Mathew (31) that swung the pendulum back in Puddletown’s favour, with the Barrett and Arkell bowling combination working well to stifle any hopes of a late rally.

Seeking the full 20 points, impressive debutant Ben Morris and slingshot speedster Weir were brought back into the attack, with the last wicket evading Puddletown’s umbrella slip cordon on the final ball of the game.

Puddletown continue to head the table by three points from Corfe Mullen and host Cerne Valley Seconds on Saturday.