MARTINSTOWN 286 (20pts) beat BROADSTONE 228 (10pts) by 58 runs

MARTINSTOWN skipper Ed Nichols was a happy man after guiding his side to a 58-run win on their top-flight debut.

A second-wicket partnership of 134 between Nichols and Liam Banfield set the visitors on their way to an impressive total of 286 at The Delph.

Dave Herbert also played a big role in Martinstown’s innings, smashing 90 to go with Banfield’s 75.

Tom Nicholls then claimed five wickets in the hosts’ reply as Broadstone fell 59 shy of their victory target.

“I think we were a little bit hesitant to start with because we didn’t know what to expect,” said Nichols. “But it was a fantastic day in the end.

“Liam Banfield was someone who came up with the goods, which was really pleasing to see, and hopefully we’ve got a few more players to come into the team now.”

Martinstown batted first after Nichols lost the toss, and the away side went cheaply with the score on four.

But Nichols and Banfield steadied the ship and were then able to put Broadstone on the back foot.

The total had moved to 190-2 when Nichols was removed, however, Herbert took control of the innings and his excellent knock included several massive hits for six.

Nichols added: “We were pleased with 286 but definitely thought it was gettable with some established batsmen in the Broadstone team.

“They made a good start in the first 15 overs and we dropped a couple of catches in the field.

“But, as usual, the spinners came on and pulled the game back for us, and Ryan Chase took a few quick wickets.

“Broadstone built a decent partnership until Tom Nicholls took a great catch off Liam Banfield and that swung the match back in our favour.

“Chris Read came back on and got their captain out, and then Tom cleaned up the tail.

“There were times during their innings when they put a bit of pressure on us but we came back well.”

Martinstown play their first home game in the Dorset Premier League this Saturday when Parley are the visitors to Lower Ashton Farm.

Parley clinched a three-wicket win over Wimborne & Colehill on the opening day of the new campaign last weekend.

In County Division Five, Martinstown Seconds began their season with a five-wicket defeat to Puddletown.