Deadly Denham (From Dorset Echo)

Deadly Denham

8:57am Thursday 9th July 2009

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BERKSHIRE 212 and 137 (5pts) lost to DORSET 301 and 51-2 (23pts) by eight wickets

DORSET manager Sean Walbridge hailed the eight-wicket victory over Berkshire as an “all-round” team effort.

The Dean Park outfit were able to call upon several outstanding performances in the impressive home win.

Bowler Ed Denham returned fantastic match figures of 9-38 in only his fifth three-day appearance for the county, Dave Kidner snared six wickets in total, Aaron Williams (53) notched a half-century in the hosts’ first innings while Chris Park (68) and Matt Melcalfe (40) enjoyed a 91 partnership further down the order.

Walbridge paid tribute to the key contributions but praised Dorset’s team ethic at the same time. He said: “It was a tremendous win for us and one that we’re really pleased with. Berkshire won the title last year so to beat them is a great scalp for us.

“We helped set the win up on the first day when we bowled them out for 212. We then got stuck in with the bat with Chris Park, Aaron Williams and Matt Metcalfe being the main contributors.

“Chris and Matt’s seventh-wicket stand of 91 went a long way to helping us win the match in the end.

“The bowlers then did a great job once again to leave us chasing just 49 for victory. Ed Denham’s match figures were remarkable and I’m really pleased for him as he is really taking his chance after being on the periphery of the team last year.

“Dave Kidner was also outstanding and I’m delighted to see him doing well after three years away.

“Our fielding was exemplary as well, everyone’s contributing to the cause and it was a really good all-round performance.”

Dorset, who now have two wins and a draw to their name in the Minor Counties Championship, are in the running to be crowned Western Division champions with three fixtures to go.

Walbridge added: “We’ll just take each game as it comes but the confidence running through the side is really good at the moment.

“If we can keep doing what we’re doing then we’ll give ourselves a chance. We haven’t got another game for almost three weeks now but hopefully everyone will be able to maintain their form for their club sides.”

Dorset are next in action on July 26 when they visit Cheshire.

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