WIMBORNE & COLEHILL II 164 (8pts) lost to PUDDLETOWN 202 (20pts) by 38 runs

PUDDLETOWN put in a fantastic performance to overcome previous County Division Two table-toppers Wimborne & Colehill Seconds by 38 runs at the Leaze.

After winning the toss, Puddletown elected to bat first and the aggressive opening partnership of Lucas Allen (9) and Alby Stevens (36) got the visitors off to a flier, taking 16 runs of the first two overs.

In the third over however, the dangerous Allen was dismissed as a full-pitched delivery from Sam Prince (3-37) found the edge, which was comfortably caught by Darren Jones. 

Despite an excellent wicket and some loose bowling at times, Puddletown’s middle order faltered with a number of batsmen getting in before gifting their wicket away cheaply. 

Firstly, the in-form Michael Crabb (5) was dismissed by Prince, before dangerman Adam Barrett (15) and Adam Weir (1) were both out cheaply, leaving Puddletown in big trouble at 64-4.

After the dismissal of Stevens (36), Rob Snow entered the crease and after a cautious start to his innings, the Scotsman showed great patience and innovation to reach his maiden club 50.

Snow, alongside the classy Chris Eastment (18), put Puddletown in a commanding position of 140-6, before late order hitting from Tom Blair (30) and Steve Chaldecott (14no) took the visitors to a respectable 202. 

After tea, the Wimborne innings got off to a disastrous start, as the Puddletown opening bowling combination of Callum Chaldecott (4-29) and Snow (2-13) ran riot.

Chaldecott struck first in his second over, as the Puddletown quick had both Darren Jones (8) and Ben Ratcliffe (0) out caught at short mid-wicket with two vicious bouncers.

Supporting Chaldecott, left-arm spinner Snow bowled extremely tightly throughout his spell, trapping both Adam Child (11) and the dangerous Tom Butcher (1) lbw, leaving the hosts 15-4 inside just eight overs. 

Despite some steady batting from Wimborne’s lower order, Puddletown continued to pick up wickets throughout the innings, and it was only Chris Dunk (49no), Connor Chubb (27) and Joe Freak (28) who showed resistance. 

Despite a wicket apiece for Blair (1-48) and Will Gage (1-39), and a brace for Weir (2-27), it was Chaldecott who returned to the attack and deservedly picked up the final wicket, dismissing Wimborne for 164.

Commenting on the win, captain Barrett said: “The lads all played brilliantly, it really was a terrific performance.

To play away against top of the league and pick up maximum points, you really can’t ask for more than that.

“Despite it being an excellent team performance, I think Callum and Snowy both deserve individual mentions. The pair really stepped up when we needed them to, and I hope there form continues for many weeks to come.”

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