BROADSTONE 215-7 (7pts) lost to BERE REGIS 217-6 (18pts) by four wickets

BERE Regis collected their third win of the season with an outstanding four-wicket victory over Broadstone at Delph Woods in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League.

Broadstone won the toss, electing to bat first and made a solid start as star batsman Luke Carter (16) and James Park (32) worked their way to 48-0.

However, both men were quickly removed by spinner Bradley Moss (2-35) before new batsmen Pete Russell (50no) and Ashley Collison (33) rebuilt with a 36-run stand.

The wily Sean Walbridge (1-33) then ousted the dangerous Collison, who had scored six fours and a six, while Jacob Kennard (1-23) struck by bowling Simon Leadbeater (1) soon after to rock the hosts at 88-4.

Dave Griffiths (2-39) bowled with excellent control in his spell, claiming three maidens while dismissing Connor Tarr (37) and Mike Holm (13) as Broadstone were restricted to 215-7 from their 50 overs.

Such a light total at the Delph always looked in danger, yet Bere lost Nick White (0) to Caleb Rowe (1-19) early in their reply.

But new man in Rob Murphy (106) stepped up to the mark with a brilliant century, sharing in a crucial 141-run partnership with Matt King (45) as Bere charged to 142-1.

Matt Spraggs (2-54) then snared two quick wickets, accounting for King and visiting captain Rich Cole (2) as Bere were checked at 150-3.

Murphy continued to score fluently and despite falling to Pete Russell (2-42), who claimed two late wickets, Griffiths (19no) and Garry King (13no) were able to see Bere home.

Speaking to Echosport after the victory, Cole admitted he felt “ecstatic” after seeing Murphy score a ton.

He said: “We proved to ourselves that we’ve got it in us to give the top four sides a run and we’ve managed to do it.

“I’m ecstatic, really proud of how (Murphy) batted.

“From losing such an early wicket and the ball clearly being in (Broadstone’s) court, Rob and Matt really batted well to keep us with the rate and built a really good platform to build upon, it was crucial.

“That put us in the driving position but we still needed seven an over for the last 10.”

Bere’s bowling also impressed Cole, who added: “We only gave them seven extras. Our bowling was really good, especially considering we had none of our normal pace attack.”

“We had four spinners and we were very pleased to keep them under 220.”

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