PUDDLETOWN 236-8 (2pts) beat HAMWORTHY RECREATION II 140 (6pts) by 96 runs

PUDDLETOWN recorded a fourth consecutive County Division Three victory by overcoming 10-man Hamworthy Seconds by 96 runs at Puddletown Rec.

Having lost the toss, Puddletown found themselves surprisingly put in to bat, however, the visitors’ decision to bowl looked justified in the very first over, as the express pace from Bob Holness (1-25) found its way through the hapless Lucas Allen’s defence for a career-first golden duck.

Holness and fellow opening bowler Julian Lockett (2-26) both bowled well early on for Hamworthy, as Duncan Macbean (27) and Alby Stevens were forced to bat unusually defensively to withstand the early pressure, only reaching 50 in the 13th over.

Just as the partnership appeared to be moving along nicely, Stuart Peters (2-54) produced the ball of the day to remove Macbean.

Having raced to a rapid 27, new batsman Adam Barrett was dismissed by Peters, before Mikey Crabb (26) and Stevens continued the pursuit of maximum batting points, despite the reduced number of overs (35) due to England’s clash against Sweden.

As the 3pm tea break arrived with the score on 177-6, Stevens remained not out on 97 but held his nerve and reached his maiden century with a glorious shot through third man.

Callum Chaldecott (18no) continued the end-of-innings assault, resulting in Puddletown finishing on a competitive 236-8 from their 35 overs.

After a quick turnaround at the break, opening bowler Mike Hoffman (2-28) drew first blood for the hosts, removing opposition captain Peters for a golden duck.

Despite the early wicket, the Hamworthy batsman recovered well and raced past the 50 mark as Adam Weir (1-36) became tired in the heat.

With the score on 60-1 after 12 overs, it was the introduction of left-arm spinner Rob Snow (3-35) who switched the momentum back to Puddletown with a fine display of spin bowling.

Snow bowled with confidence and control to remove Gorden Fraser (19), Nick Berry (0) and Nathan Holness (18), leaving the visitors struggling on 106-5.

At the end of the innings, the introduction of veteran seamer Steve Chaldecott secured the win for the hosts, bowling an impressive spell of six overs, taking 3-11 to not only secure the win, but also an important 20 points for Puddletown.