DORCHESTER 240 (20pts) beat SHILLINGSTONE 143 (7pts) by 97 runs

DORCHESTER claimed their fourth win in a row after downing bottom side Shillingstone at the Rec by 97 runs in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League.

Victory was founded for the county side on a blistering partnership between Dan Belt and Simon Mitchem, who put on 133 for the second wicket.

Belt’s 75 came from 99 balls, while Mitchem compiled a run-a-ball 68 as the pair put Shillingstone under extreme pressure.

Only Tom House (5-47) caused the home side any problems as they made 240 from 48 overs.

Shillingstone were moving steadily in their reply as House (66) took them to 104-2 but when he fell the rest of the order was toppled for the addition of just 39 runs in 10 overs with spin duo George Foot (4-15) and Jack Walklett (3-25) delivering excellent spells.

Earlier, the visitors had elected to field after winning the toss and made a good start when a mix-up between Belt and Will McKay (2) culminated in the latter being run out.

But Belt and new batsman Mitchem led the charge for the hosts, who were also helped by a solid innings of 39 from James Caldwell to set Shillingstone a target of 241.

After a promising opening partnership of 42 with Robin Cunningham (6), House then lost captain Chris Cole (0) as James Dunham (1-18) and Caldwell (1-29) made breakthroughs.

House reached 50 but perished on 66 to Foot, who accounted for three more batsman and, in tandem with Walklett, took 7-29 in seven overs as the spinners dominated.

Club captain Simon Mitchem hailed the contribution of the spin twins after the game.

He told Echosport: “With George and Jack we have got two very talented spinners who quite often go under the radar.

“They were fantastic and made the difference after drinks.

“With our bowling attack we were more than confident that we could defend 240.”

Mitchem also believes the standard of cricket his side is playing will “cause teams a lot of problems”.

“The main thing is to get the win but the manner in which we did it was very pleasing. If we keep doing what we’re doing we’re going to cause teams a lot of problems,” he said.

Mitchem’s stand of 133 with Belt proved the difference and the all-rounder was pleased to be back among the runs.

He added: “It was a lot earlier than I wanted (to go out).

“Me and Dan batted well and ran well between the wickets.

“It was nice to get in the runs.

“One of us should have made 100 but I’m nit picking!”