CHRISTCHURCH 195-8 (19pts) beat BERE REGIS 193 (11pts) by two runs

BERE Regis fell an agonising two runs short of victory as Christchurch completed the narrowest of Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League doubles over their long-time rivals at Hurn Bridge.

Rich Cole’s men looked to be on the cusp of clinching their target of 196 when well placed at 193-7 but Bere conspired to lose their final three wickets without adding to their total in a dramatic finale.

Both sides relied on a variety of contributions throughout their batting line-up, but Liam Bowater’s devastating 51 from 30 balls, including three boundaries and four sixes, ultimately proved the defining knock of the match.

Up to then, Bere had manufactured a superb foundation for success with a disciplined bowling display.

Matt King (1-33) and Rich Payne (1-25) ousted Joseph Malone (12) and Ben Francis (9) respectively, while a fine 3-31 from Rob Murphy helped restrict the hosts to 135-7.

But Bowater was crucially dropped early in his innings and the all-rounder cashed in with some savage hitting, muscling 51 of the 52-run stand shared with Warren Bennet (13no) for the eighth wicket as Christchurch reached 195-8 off 50 overs.

Bere constructed successive 50 stands in reaching 104-2, Payne (57) instrumental in setting up an excellent platform.

But Thomas Hughes (3-33) dismissed the watchful Payne and claimed a further two quick scalps as the home side pegged Bere back to 148-6.

Captain Cole then blasted 32 from 38 balls despite wickets falling around him, Tom Marsh impressing with 3-35, only to become the last man to fall as his side was pipped to the winning post.

Speaking to Echosport, Cole said: “It was a really good, competitive game of cricket considering you’ve got two teams in the mid to lower half of the league.

“Both teams got the best out of each other and took it right to the end.

“It was really enjoyable and a big shame we didn’t get the win but that’s what you look for on a Saturday – to have a very competitive game.

“You naturally analyse the game once it’s finished and there’s many situations where say, a catch was dropped off Bowater and he scores 50 more runs, or misfieldings, a couple of batsmen could’ve gone on for a bit longer.

“I could’ve hit the winning runs at the end. Every player realises that every run does count and every stopped run can make a really big difference.”

Bere Regis next host champions Wimborne & Colehill on Saturday (1pm).