DORCHESTER 182 (19pts) beat BROADSTONE 131 (7pts) by 51 runs

DAN Belt reckons his side’s final-day victory over Broadstone just goes to prove what a bright future the county town could have.

Led by Sam Goodhew (82) and James Dunham (4-30), Dorchester produced an excellent display at the Rec as they bounced back from the disappointment of rele-gation with a 51-run success.

And for skipper Belt the perf-ormance was a clear indication of just what his side are capable of.

He told Echosport: “We hit 182 and then bowled them out for 131.

“Sam scored 82 and was very much the lynchpin of our innings at number three. In fact he was a little unfortunate not to go on and make a century.

“That knock gave us a decent total to bowl at and we immediately followed it up with a couple of early wickets.

“James and I opened the attack and bowled our 10 overs straight through and by the end of that spell we had them 5-60.

“After that, we just continued taking regular wickets and although their number seven hit 42, we always looked in control.”

He went on to add: “Everyone performed well and it was good to finish the season with a bit of bouncebackability.

“If we can field a similar side to that next year with the likes of Phil Morley and Pete Moxom coming back in as well then we’ll be in decent shape.

“There is a good mix of youth and experience in there and I think this victory proves exactly what we are capable of.

“Unfortunately this season we have switched too often in games and it has cost us dear, but if we can learn from that and keep that side together then we should be fine.”

Despite signing off with a win, Dorchester have still finished bottom of the Dorset Premier League, 19 points adrift of local rivals Weymouth, who have also been relegated.

Belt said: “Although it’s disappointing to go down there is a lot to look forward to.

“Next season is going to see us come up against a lot of local sides in Division One which should create plenty of interest in the area.

“With Weymouth coming down as well and the likes of Martinstown and Blandford also in the league it will no doubt throw up some great games. In fact, it could prove to be exactly what we need to get things going again.”