Herbert is Bridport's hero (From Dorset Echo)

Herbert is Bridport's hero

8:47am Thursday 25th August 2011 in Cricket By Ky Capel

BRIDPORT 225-7 (18pts) beat CERNE VALLEY 220-7 (11pts) by five runs

DAVE Herbert weighed in with a monstrous ton to lead Bridport to victory in Mark Smith’s final game as skipper.

The number three batsman, who recently returned to the club from higher-league Dorchester, smashed his way to 120 as the visitors totalled 225-7.

With early afternoon rain forcing a delayed start to the Dorset League Division Three fixture, Cerne Valley had just 40 overs in which to surpass Bridport’s tally.

And despite John Stiles (51) and Simon Walsh (68) chipping in with fine half-centuries, the hosts fell a mere six runs short of victory.

Smith, who misses the season’s finale at home to Parley Seconds, said: “It was a very entertaining game and an exciting finish in my last game as captain.

“It was looking very dubious weather-wise but we stuck it out and it was glorious for the rest of the day. However, play didn’t start until 2pm so we lost five overs each.

“We made a disastrous start with myself and Liam Toohill going for ducks and I thought ‘here we go again’.

“But once Dave and Tom Hayball (46) got together we looked so secure. Dave went on to post the club’s highest score of the season and I can’t praise him enough for it. He also got good back up from Tom while Wes Lewis (21) and Duane Gay (25 not out) did well to take us to 225, which we thought was quite a total to chase in 40 overs.

“In the field we started well and Liam (0-15) was particularly good. Wes (1-64) also did well and had a really good game in all. I don’t normally bowl but because it was my last game as captain I decided to bowl and I was quite happy with my seven overs (1-38).

“There were a few dropped catches, which would have made things more comfortable, but Callum Pattinson’s catch for the first wicket was absolutely outstanding and that got us going.

“Walsh came in with a lot of boundaries to get nearer to our total but they still needed six off the last ball so they didn’t quite keep up with the run-rate. But it was touch and go.”

Despite the narrow win, the Brewery Field outfit are destined for life in Division Four.