BROADSTONE 232-8 (19pts) beat SYMENE 150-7 (9pts) by 82 runs

SYMENE are still searching for their first win of 2015 in Dorset Sunday League Division Three, although there are definite signs of a return to winning ways despite an 82-run defeat at home to Broadstone.

Broadstone batted first in cold, windy conditions and debutant Tom Hughes soon uprooted Dick Richards’ off stump to make the early breakthrough with an unplayable late-swinging yorker.

Opener Mike Pownall steadied the ship with a well-made 48 before also falling victim to Hughes.

Graham Bartlett chipped away to return a steady 3-38 and Luke Robinson dismissed Charlie Stubbs (46) and Rodney Jack (48) to record excellent figures of 2-37.

But Symene’s failure to exert sustained pressure allowed Broadstone to keep the scoreboard ticking over and get away to an above-par total of 232-8.

After tea, a fine second-wicket stand of 63 between opener Nigel Toohill and Phil Hawkins laid the foundation for a strong response.

Toohill teased the fielders with trademark deflections on the way to 30.

Veteran Hawkins atoned for a disappointing performance with the gloves and continued to defy the Broadstone bowlers to finish undefeated on 67.

Ed Halson clubbed a rapid 14 to secure the final batting point off the last ball of the match.

A total of nine bonus points proved that Symene can still take wickets and score runs, but they again gave themselves a mountain to climb after their opponents batted first.