MARTINSTOWN 134 (4pts) lost to DORCHESTER 136-4 (20pts) by six wickets

DORCHESTER maintained their perfect start to the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League campaign with a comprehensive six-wicket derby win over Martinstown at Lower Ashton Farm.

After winning the toss and bowling first on an unusually lively Martinstown pitch, Dorchester assumed early control when Simon Mitchem (2-34) extracted lift off a length to remove captain Ed Nichols (14) and Lee House (1).

At 19-2, Martinstown’s situation improved little as away skipper James Dunham (2-30) trapped Sam Kershaw (7) and Teddy Andrews (13) leg before to leave the hosts in peril on 41-4.

Will Maltby (15) and Fraser Hill (11) briefly revived the innings with a stand of 33 until Josh Richardson (2-17) dismissed the former.

Dunham then introduced off-spinner Will McKay (3-25) to the attack and he accounted for Ryan Chase (3), Sam Hennessy (11) and Chris Read (0) to grind the home side down to 106-9.

However, a late rally from Mike Kennedy-Barnard (21no) ensured Martinstown reached 134 all out after the economical Jack Walklett (1-12) removed Charlie Durant (4).

In reply, Read (2-34) ousted Quenton Miller (6) and Mitchem (2) as Dorchester reached 33-2 but the arrival of in-form Eral Anderson (38no) to the crease steadied the visitors’ ship.

Anderson was assisted in attacking partnerships with Richardson (24) and McKay (36) as Dorchester cruised to victory with 21 overs remaining.

Speaking to Echosport after sealing a fifth consecutive victory, Dunham felt “good pressure” had put his side in control.

He said: “We bowled really well and took consistent wickets. We fielded well to restrict Martinstown to 134 on a good pitch.

“If we can get everyone sharing wickets it’s perfect. Me and Si started off well and took the early wickets and Jack bowled tight lines – it was good pressure.

“Five out of five is perfect but we’re not halfway through, we can only do it week by week.”

Opposing skipper Nichols conceded that Dorchester had bowled well and rued a shaky start to his side’s innings.

He said: “It’s hard to take but the game got away from us quite quickly. Myself and Lee both got out to balls that took off on a length. It was definitely the best they’ve bowled down there. I don’t think anyone threw their wicket away, and we haven’t let ourselves down, it’s just they bowled well.

“We did give it a go with the ball and Chris got a wicket with one that kicked up, but they did score freely.”