STALBRIDGE 260 (20pts) beat WEYMOUTH 166 (8pts) by 94 runs

NOT even a final-day defeat at the hands of Stalbridge could take the gloss off a much-improved season for the Seasiders.

After seeing their opponents score an impressive 260 at Redlands , thanks to a superb knock from number eight Chris Hedges (66), Wey-mouth fell 94 runs short in reply.

However, Dean Janaway’s charges maintained their grip on fifth spot in the Dorset Premier League and the skipper was left to reflect on a largely enjoyable campaign.

He said: “We have dropped off a bit in the last few weeks but in general it has been a very good season for us.

“We had a great spell in the middle but the last few weeks have shown our lack of resources because when we do get a few unavailabilities we are in trouble.

“Saying that, everyone who has ever come in has always given their all, and that is all we ask.

“We would have liked to have finished it on a bit more of a high than we did but in general it was a good season. The highlight was beating Wimborne at Wimborne – it was a brilliant performance.

“I’d like to thank all our players, our scorer Ian Prankerd and our sponsors Wetherspoon’s, the Spa and the Lounge Bar.”

Discussing Saturday’s events, Janaway, who snared 2-14 and then hit 26 runs, added: “We won the toss on quite a wet pitch but they went for it from ball one and fair play to them.

“We pegged it back in the middle and had them at 128-7, but our shortage of bowlers showed. They kept going for it and batted really well to get 260, and that was always going to be a tough ask.

“We lost Jim Ryall (0) on the first ball and they made it very difficult for us. We chipped away and Tom England (45) and Matt Lawes (34 not out) batted very well but in the end we were well short.

“I’d like to thank Luke Carrington for helping us out after Hayden White pulled out on the Friday night. He came in and was great for us.”

Dave Trotter was the pick of the Weymouth bowlers, returning figures of 2-25 in his 10 overs, which included three maidens.