DORCHESTER 235-9 (19pts) beat MARTINSTOWN 234-8 (12pts) by one wicket

DORCHESTER emerged triumphant by one wicket from a nailbiting finale in their Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League derby with Martinstown at the Rec.

All three results remained possible as the county town side needed two runs from the final over, but tailenders Nick Roe (3no) and Jack Walklett (14no) held firm to secure a crucial win and avoid a repeat of their loss at Stalbridge two weeks ago in similar circumstances.

Dorchester skipper James Dunham (0-38) won the toss and elected to bowl first, opening alongside Dan Belt (0-18), but Martinstown made steady progress in reaching 64-0 in the 22nd over.

Dunham’s opposite number Ed Nichols (35) was the first to go, edging spinner Jack Walklett (3-72) behind, before Simon Mitchem (1-45) had Sean Williams (3) stumped by a sharp piece of glovework from Roe.

Opener George Pope (58) reached his half-century but his innings was eclipsed by a blistering late knock of 91 from 67 balls from Teddy Andrews as the Villagers made 234-8 off 50 overs.

In reply, Chris Read (3-48) bowled Will Caldwell (39), Dan Morris (4) and James Caldwell (13) in a superb spell to leave Dorchester on 69-3.

Pope (2-26) chipped in with the prize scalps of Eral Anderson (22) and Mitchem (14) before Sam Kershaw (1-40) removed the dangerous Belt (9) and Will McKay (22) as Dorchester teetered on 165-7.

But a fine 41 from Josh Richardson, aided by 18 from Dunham, set up the tense finale, during which Roe and Walklett safely guided the hosts to a victory that helps them keep pace with leaders Wimborne & Colehill.

Speaking to Echosport after the game, Dunham said: “It was a very good cricket game. The second half of their innings they pushed on and put us under pressure. We had to fight for it.

“We never feared a repeat of the Stalbridge game. The fact that Nick was there at the end was his redemption.

“Josh chipped in with 41 and Nick and Jack showed a lot of maturity – I’m really happy for both of them.”

Meanwhile, Nichols felt his team failed to be ruthless, adding: “Some sides probably would have killed off the game.

“In a game where we haven’t got a lot to play for, we’ve done well. Hopefully next time we can seal the win. We’re all still learning – games like that are all valuable.”

n Dorchester Seconds beat Dorset Tigers by 131 runs, while Martinstown Seconds beat Royal Challengers Sports by nine runs.

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