SHERBORNE 265-8 (20pts) beat MARTINSTOWN 162 (7pts) by 103 runs

MARTINSTOWN’S winning start to the season was derailed by a commanding performance from Sherborne, who took a 103-run victory in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League.

Ed Nichols’ men, who had dismantled last season’s runners-up Swanage by 175 runs in their opening fixture, were beset by a strong showing from Sherborne’s middle order, who were put in after the visitors won the toss.

Matt Camp (2-35) made early strides by dismissing Roger Parfitt (0) and Ryan Monk (11), but Marc Lock (45) and Emlyn Kuhn (57) put on 102 for the third wicket as Sherborne reached 120-2.

Teddy Andrews (2-32) removed both men but James Elliot-Square (44) and Marc Tanswell (32) put on 80 for the fifth wicket before Mike Kennedy-Barnard (2-57) ousted the former.

Sherborne continued to add runs, despite Jacob Coombs’ 2-38, and were aided by 37 extras as they set the away side a target of 266 to win from 50 overs.

In reply, Lee House (19) and Sean Williams (16) made a steady start, posting 41-0 but thereafter Elliot-Square took over, accounting for six away batsmen in a devastating spell that yielded figures of 6-21.

Reeling at 78-6, Andrews (31) and Camp (63no) were undeterred and added hefty knocks before Kuhn (2-49) claimed Andrews.

Camp battled on but ran out of partners as the economical Tim Durston (2-17) mopped up the tail for a convincing win.

Speaking to Echosport after the game, captain Nichols felt Martinstown had been “outplayed”.

He said: “We got both openers out early but they counter-attacked and got a lot of boundaries in the first 20 overs.

“They ended up getting 265 and we didn’t put them under much pressure. Their first change bowler ran through us and took six wickets in quick succession.

“Matt scored 63 but we were comfortably second-best on the day. They’re quite comfortable batting first at home and they do know how to score there.

“We managed to stem the tide but as long as they bat the 50 overs they’re going to get a big total.

“It would’ve been great to keep rolling (with a win) but all of their big players scored runs. It’s not too much of a disappointment, I can take it when we’ve been outplayed.”

Meanwhile, Martinstown Seconds 164-6 (19pts) beat Blandford Seconds 156 (10pts) by eight runs in County Division Five.