WEYMOUTH 214-9 (19pts) beat WITCHAMPTON 211-9 (12pts) by one wicket

WEYMOUTH held their nerve to take a seventh successive victory in a compelling finale with County Division Two title rivals Witchampton at Redlands.

Needing 31 from the final four overs with two wickets in hand, Shafeek Urumancheri was Weymouth’s hero, smashing an unbeaten 36 not out as the Seasiders won with a ball to spare.

Such a tight finish had earlier seemed unlikely as openers Graham Puckett (2-30) and Neil Walton (2-36) ran through the Witches’ top order to leave them on 9-3.

But the rangy Gavin Wayman (80) and Gary Smart (27) kicked on in response, running well between the wickets and producing crisp drives until the latter skewed a Harry Mitchell (1-33) full-toss.

Wayman found another ally in Daniel Bartram (27), the duo putting on 95 before Sami Rathnayake (4-36) removed Bartram.

Rathnayake demolished the Witches’ lower order, bowling a further three batsman, while Walton returned to finally dismiss Wayman as Witchampton made 211-9 off 45 overs.

The Seasiders made a good start with Kieron Womble (8) and John Wilson (24) in fine form, but three quick wickets checked the hosts at 41-3.

Simon Browne (32) and Jonny Armfield (29) rebuilt but Smart (3-37) ousted the latter and Walton (0) as Weymouth stumbled to 99-5.

Browne accelerated with Mitchell (43) but when both men fell, still 70 runs short, it was left to Urumancheri and Rathnayake (9) to superbly take Weymouth within reach.

Rathnayake’s dismissal left Weymouth 15 runs short but Urumancheri brilliantly struck three boundaries to keep his side in second place.

Speaking to Echosport, captain Mitchell highlighted the contribution made by Weymouth’s match-winner Urumancheri.

He said: “His temperament, his control when he bats, he’s never flustered and he’s always got a smile on his face, which is great to see. It was a super knock.”

He added: “I thought GP (Puckett) and Neil bowled exceptionally, I’ve always been wanting that fast start with the ball.

“After the new ball stopped swinging they batted well, especially (Wayman). Sami bowled well at the death in the heat, still bowling with good pace.

“But there were too many extras (58) – I’ll put that down to the heat.

“We had a good opening partnership, then Jonny and Browner batted well. After that it was the Shafeek show!”

Weymouth will hunt for their eight straight win away to Blandford on Saturday (1.30pm).

Elsewhere, Weymouth Seconds 220-5 (7pts) lost to Witchampton Seconds 222-5 (17pts) by five wickets

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