MOBY DICK’S BEARS 95-8 lost to SAGGIES 97-2 by eight wickets BEN Doidge scored an impressive half-century as Saggies pulled off a shock eight-wicket win over Moby Dick’s Bears in the Echo Cup final at Redlands.

Mark Caldwell’s men went into the game as underdogs having never beaten the current Division One leaders but thanks to a wonderful team display they defied the odds in emphatic fashion.

After restricting the Bears to 95-8, Saggies cantered to victory with the bat as Doidge amassed a wonderful knock of 64 to propel his side towards the finish line, which they eventually crossed with 19 balls to spare.

Not only did the success mark Paul Gadsby’s first Echo Cup final win in eight attempts but it was also an emotional triumph for Caldwell, whose father David sadly passed away in February.

Speaking to Echosport, the Saggies’ skipper said: “The lads were outstanding and I am just over the moon.

“The Bears were favourites but our fielding was brilliant, our bowling attack delivered the goods and the likes of Ben and Kieron Womble batted superbly.

“In fact, everyone to a man stood up and performed and that was exactly what we needed to come out on top.”

Caldwell went on to add: “The lads put Davie C on the back of every one of our shirts to honour my dad and I want to thank them all because that was such a nice touch. We are a group of mates and for them to do that means a lot. I would also like to give a lot of credit to our opponents, who have been magnanimous in defeat and are a great bunch of lads.

“This is the first time we have ever beaten them and what a stage to do it on.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to Steve at the Admiral Hardy, who bought the shirts we wore. His continued support is hugely appreciated.”

The Bears lost Callum Guest (1) early in their innings but were soon making amends through James Almond (23) and Paul Payne (10).

The pair looked well set at one stage but when Almond holed out to Doidge off a delivery from Simon Browne (1-19) the innings began to fall away as 36-2 quickly became 69-6.

The experienced heads of Payne, Dean Janaway, Laurie ‘Cube’ Whyte and Jim Ryall were all clearly disappointed with the manner of their dismissals and it was left to Joe (14) and Will Trevett (13) to try and rescue the situation.

The duo did their best by putting on a seventh-wicket stand of 28 but with time running out they were then forced into one shot too many as Saggies maintained the pressure in the field and continued to hold their catches.

Alex Browne (3-9) and Doidge (3-22) both picked up three wickets apiece and it was the latter that ensured Caldwell’s side got off to a great start after the changeover alongside Womble (13).

The Weymouth pair put on an opening stand of 46 before the unfortunate Womble played on to his own stumps off the bowling of Whyte (1-17).

However, not even that could upset Saggies’ rhythm as Doidge and Simon Browne (12 not out) continued the onslaught by adding 45 more for the second wicket.

Doidge was then clean bowled by Luke Carrington (1-11) but the damage had already been done as Simon Browne knocked off the winning runs, having been joined at the crease by Chris Backhouse (0 not out).

Bears’ skipper Whyte said: “We did not get enough runs. It was also a pitch for seamers and we have a team full of spinners, but all credit to Saggies because they bowled very well.

“It was always inevitable we would lose one to them eventually and it was clear this time that they were the better team on the day.

“As for us, the aim now is to hopefully go on and win the league. We play Saggies again on Monday and I will certainly be looking for a very different performance from us.”

Man of the Match: Ben Doidge.