ST GEORGE’S 123-8 lost to DEWLISH 124-2 by 8 wickets

DEWLISH won the Doug Read Knockout Cup for the first time with a convincing eight-wicket win over 13-times champions St George’s at Dorchester Rec.

A man-of-the-match performance from Dan Belt inspired Dewlish to a momentous victory as the Saints were denied a hat-trick of cup final triumphs.

Batting first, the Saints were dealt an early blow when Andy Legg, the star performer in last year’s final, was caught by Josh Booth off Jae Miller (1-14) for just one.

Then, with the total on 32, Steve Hillier produced a superb throw to run out opener Matt King (12).

Dewlish’s tight bowling and excellent fielding meant St George’s only managed 39 runs in their first 10 overs.

And as the batting side made efforts to increase the run rate wickets continued to fall.

Captain Simon Ross (2-20) and Hillier (2-29) picked up two wickets each.

Tim Goodhew top scored for the Saints with 28 before being clean bowled by Ross, while Jamie Barrett and Rich Cole contributed 17 and 16 respectively.

Gary King was stumped for seven, Ross Baker was run out for three and Belt claimed the wicket of Santosh Nair (4).

Saints skipper Colin Gough (one not out) and Rob Cole (21 not out) took their team to 123-8 at the close.

In reply, Dewlish made a steady start with openers Belt and Tom Hewish making 57 before the latter fell to Rob Cole for 20.

Hillier joined Belt at the crease and the duo added 64 for the second wicket to take Dewlish to the brink of victory.

Belt’s unbeaten 58 came off 54 deliveries and included five boundaries, while Hillier struck six fours in his 33 before he was caught by Gough off Garry King (1-33).

The target of 124 was reached with three overs to spare and the winning run was greeted by a huge cheer from the Dewlish players and supporters.

The Dorchester and District Evening League committee had no hesitation in awarding the Derek Gale Trophy for man of the match to Belt.

He batted through the whole of Dewlish’s innings and also returned bowling figures of 1-25 from his four overs.

And it was a proud moment for the winners as skipper Simon Ross was presented with the Knockout Cup itself.

The Saints will now try their best to bounce back by claiming a fourth Division One title on the bounce and a ninth in the last 10 seasons.