DORSET INDIANS 141 (7pts) lost to ABBOTSBURY 142-9 (19pts) by one wicket

A STRONG team effort saw Abbotsbury come out on top in a closely-fought contest with Dorset Indians in County Division Four.

Having viewed the wicket, Abbotsbury skipper Simon Pengelly made no hesitation in fielding first.

And Abbotsbury’s opening bowlers, Grafton Straker (0-23) and Jay Lintern (2-32), produced a series of testing overs, making the most of the conditions on offer.

A fortunate run out by Abbotsbury keeper Frank Pitman in the fourth over gave the Swans the breakthrough they deserved.

Despite some hard hitting from the Dorset Indians’ batsmen, Lintern remained a threat and eventually took a further two wickets.

The steady loss of wickets did not perturb the home side's batsmen as Aju (34) and Binoy (32) lead the counter-attack to good effect.

Following a hostile spell from Swans’ all-rounder Chas Duerdoth, a change of pace from Aaron Oliver (5-34) and Chris Backhouse (2-13) did the trick.

Abbotsbury claimed the remaining seven wickets relatively cheaply, and the innings came to an end on 141 with Liam Tewkesbury taking a fine catch.

After the break, Abbotsbury’s reply started well as opening batsmen Oliver (28) and Pengelly (22) scored at a run a ball to take the score to 48 from the first eight overs.

But Binoy (4-36) lead the fightback for the hosts, removing Pengelly, Oliver, Simon Allen and Duerdoth in a devastating spell.

The Abbotsbury wickets continued to fall and at 107-6 they looked in real danger of falling short of their total.

But veteran batsman Nick Hodge (15 not out), playing in his first match of the season, remained resolute as the wickets continued to fall around him.

Aided by the tail of Straker (7) and Lintern (0 not out), Hodge held his nerve to guide the Swans to victory by one wicket, giving them their fourth success of the season.

The win sees Abbotsbury occupy fourth spot in the division, 30 points behind leaders Sturminster & Hinton.

Second spot in the standings is occupied by Sheborne Seconds, who are one of a select bunch in the whole of the Dorset League not to lose a game so far.

Next up for Abbotsbury is a trip to third-placed Shillingstone Seconds on Saturday.