CERNE Valley claimed the Bright Sparks Under-18 Cricket Cup for the third time after beating Martinstown and Dorchester in a thrilling finals day at Dorchester Recreation Ground.

The 2009 and 2010 winners defeated Martinstown by six wickets in the first match and then swept aside defending champions Dorchester by 62 runs to clinch the cup in the final match.

In the middle match, Martinstown beat Dorchester by seven wickets. Cerne’s Adam Barrett was a deserved winner of the man of the award after two sterling batting performances of 40 not out against Martinstown and 55 versus Dorchester.

The 2012 competition was changed to play all the matches over one day in a round-robin. The aim of the tournament is to showcase local young talent and promote sportsmanship, both of which were evident at Dorchester Rec.

Lee House, competition coordinator, said: “The 2012 competition was dominated by the bat with very few wickets taken and plenty of runs scored.

“Adam Barrett was the outstanding performer but there were also a number of very good performances, notably from Peter Horne, Jon Legg, Sam Kershaw, Henry Lewis and Jamie Downton. Well done Adam Barrett and Cerne Valley.”

House continued: “This competition relies on a number of people from Rachel Bailey, through to the coaches, managers and parents. The umpires were brilliant and I would like to extend my thanks to them for giving up their Sunday to support youth cricket.

“I would also like to thank the Dorchester & District Evening League committee and also Ross Moors from Bright Sparks electrical contractors for his continued support and generosity towards this competition.”

FINALS DAY RESULTS

Match one: Martinstown 131-2 (Henry Lewis 46, Sam Kershaw 48no) lost to Cerne Valley 132-4 (Adam Barrett 40no, P Mercer 28) by six wickets.

Match two: Dorchester 121-2 (D Morris 37, Jonathon Legg 40no) lost to Martinstown 122-3 (Henry Lewis 32, Sam Kershaw 40) by seven wickets.

Match three: Cerne Valley 204-8 (Jamie Downton 61, Adam Barrett 55, Marcus Evans 4-26) beat Dorchester 142-5 (J Foot 25, Peter Horne 43no, Ollie Downey 2-25) by 62 runs.