MARTINSTOWN 167-2 (9pts) beat BERE REGIS 74-2 (1pt) by 93 runs

HAVING an unassailable lead at the top of West Dorset Under-16 Indoor League, Martinstown aimed to complete their league fixtures undefeated and did so with an emphatic victory over a plucky Bere Regis.

Batting first Martinstown’s openers Sean Williams (63no) and Finlay Williams (43no) punished anything wayward as 70 runs came from the first six overs. With both retiring Will Maltby (25no) continued to pile on the runs with great shot selection, however, it was not all one-way traffic as excellent fielding accounted for both Jacob Coombes (1) and Matthew Lappin (0), both run out.

Charlie Durant (28no) and the returning Williams brothers enabled Martinstown to close on a very competitive 167-2

In reply, Bere struggled to score against an accurate attack and were soon in trouble with Tom Pagett being clean bowled by Coombes (2-12) for three. The task became harder when in his next over Coombes repeated his actions, clean bowling Elliot Woodhouse (6).

With Maltby producing a fine spell of 3-0-7-0 in partnership with Durant (3-0-7-0) and F Williams (3-0-14-0), the required run-rate continued to rise. Bere battled well against superb bowling and despite a brave 27 not out from Archie Weedon never looked like reaching the required score as Martinstown completed an undefeated season.

BERE REGIS 78-4 (0pts) lost to BEAMINSTER 78-1 (9pts) by 5 wkts

BATTING first, Bere began slowly with 19 runs coming from the first three overs as Beaminster applied the pressure with an assured display in the field.

With pressure mounting both Woodhouse (12) and Pagett (5) fell to run-outs and when Will Moss had the dangerous Weedon out lbw for just one run, Beaminster looked to have seized the game by the scuff of the neck. This proved to be the case as despite a mature 25 not out from Tom Swain, Bere’s innings closed on 78.

Facing a relatively low target, Beaminster batted sensibly with 20 runs coming before Ben Leather was run out for 10.

However, they were not to be denied and Lewis Keenan anchored the innings with a well-constructed 27 not out despite all the other batsman having difficulty against the spin of the impressive Weedon. With Moss hitting a fine 25 not out, Beaminster cruised to victory with 3.1 overs remaining.

n The Under-16s Cup will take place on Saturday, April 21 at the Osprey Centre, Portland (10am). Semi-final draw: Beaminster v Dorchester; Martinstown v Bere Regis