ABBOTSBURY 53-1 (20pts) beat DORSET INDIANS 49 (0pts) by 9 wickets

ABBOTSBURY continued their winning streak with a thumping triumph over Poole-based Dorset Indians in County Division Four.

Recent rain had softened the Abbotsbury pitch and home captain Simon Pengelly had no hesitation in asking the visitors to bat first.

The decision brought immediate dividends as opener Binoy (0) drove Grafton Straker (1-18) straight to cover while Chas Duerdoth picked up two wickets in his first four overs without conceding a run, and finished with remarkable figures of 4-7 from eight overs.

Pete Lawrence (2-3) and Aaron Oliver (1-7) replaced the Abbotsbury pairing in attack but there was to be no improvement in fortunes for the Dorset Indians as both bowlers conjured a wicket in each of their first overs.

Only Aju (23), batting at number four, showed any resistance as six of the away batsmen fell for ducks.

The 10th-wicket partnership of 18 between Aju and Vinodh (4 no) was the highest of the innings but when Lawrence took his third catch of the game to give Chris Backhouse (1-7) a wicket, Dorset Indians had folded to a modest 49 all out.

In reply, Abbotsbury’s openers Aaron Oliver and Simon Pengelly batted positively, conscious that rain was threatening.

Oliver edged a rising delivery from Joby (1-26) behind to depart for eight but a pugnacious Pengelly wielded his willow with confidence in thumping five boundaries in an unbeaten 28.

Binoy (0-19) produced some sharp deliveries but without reward and victory was sealed in the ninth over for the Swans with Steve Budd (16no) striking the winning runs.

Despite securing maximum points, promotion for the Swans looks an unlikely prospect ahead of the final round of matches this coming weekend.

Abbotsbury face Shillingstone Seconds in a potential promotion decider but will need to win whilst denying their rivals any bonus points or hope Sherborne Seconds slip up against Hamworthy Recreation Seconds.

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