DORCHESTER 266-8 (20pts) beat MARTINSTOWN 178 (7pts) by 88 runs

SEAN Fitzgerald brought the curtain down on a long and distinguished playing career by helping Dorchester end their season in style with an 88-run victory over Martinstown.

The hosts powered their way to a third successive Dorset Premier League win thanks largely to a brilliant knock of 104 from Dan Belt.

Dan Morris and Pete Moxom also contributed scores of 64 and 41 respectively, while it was perhaps fitting that Fitzgerald should finish unbeaten on 15 as the home side made 266-8 batting first.

Moxom then went on to pick up four wickets in the Martinstown reply as the visitors were bowled out for 178.

And Dorchester captain Simon Mitchem, who claimed three dismissals himself, was delighted to see his men finish the campaign on a high, particularly with the game being Fitzgerald’s last.

“It was very pleasing,” he said. “And it was good for Sean to finish with a win, he deserved it.

“He kept wicket well too and it was nice for him to go out on a good performance.”

Going into more detail, he added: “I lost the toss but we scored quickly and you will put pressure on any side if you can make 266.

“Dan Belt batted superbly and it was a really good hundred. We hadn’t had anyone make a century this season so it was great for him and the club that he managed to do it.

“Dan Morris also had a really good knock of 64, and him and Dan batted really well together.

“We batted really well on a damp wicket and then just wanted to get the job done with the ball.”

Reflecting on the season, Mitchem continued: “Everyone has worked really hard.

“At one point it looked as though we might really struggle but we came out and played some really good cricket.

“On another day we could have had four or five more wins, but I’m still proud of the way we have played.

“Next season we’ll be a year older and more experienced to come through those situations where games can go either way.

“The club is in a good place and I’m confident in the team going forward.”

Dorchester ended the summer sixth in the Premier League table, one point ahead of Stalbridge after they were thrashed by champions Sherborne.