CATTISTOCK 239-9 (20pts) beat MARNHULL 116 (5pts) by 123 runs

CATTISTOCK cruised to a 123-run victory against Marnhull and with just two games left of the season the Foxes only need three points to secure promotion to the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League.

After an uncontested toss, Cattistock were asked to bat and were soon 21-2, with openers Billy Wallbridge (2) and Jason Bradley (4) cheaply removed by Zack Caunt (4-44).

Liam Toohill (36) and Jon Legg (89) steadied the innings and put on 66 for the fourth wicket but when Toohill was caught in the slips off Edwin Ralph (2-58), Martin Langford joined Legg at the crease.

Legg was at his usual best and was patiently waiting for the bad ball. Legg hit his fifth half-century of the season and with Langford (27) pushed the score up to 152 before Langford was caught in the deep off James Hardy (1-44).

Valuable contributions from South African overseas all-rounder Renier Fourie (23) and Oliver Lee (17) helped Cattistock to 239-8 at tea.

In reply, Marnhull struggled to deal with the pressure applied by the Cattistock bowlers and wickets fell at regular intervals. The first went to Ollie Lee (1-30) bowling Hardy (4).

Bradley Mullins’ spell from the Chilfrome End claimed the wickets of Ashley Young (5) and Caunt (15). Mullins’ 2-16 included five maidens from his nine overs.

Cattistock’s bowlers continued to add pressure and the Marnhull innings never threatened the 240 target.

This was down to the introduction of Cattistock debutant Will Owens who removed Marnhull’s dangerous Paul Woodrow (22) with his first ball for the club.

The 14-year-old went on to claim 3-25 while the spin of Ollie Legg (2-11) and a run out for the final wicket gave the home side a 20-point victory.

Cattistock captain, Bradley Damen, said: “We expected to be put in, the wicket looked more like an April strip and there was plenty of movement for the bowlers, so to get a score over 200 was a great effort.

“Leggy showed his class again and everyone chipped in to get us a very competitive total.

“Bradley’s opening spell was outstanding, they couldn’t get him away and it built some real pressure, the fielders caught well and it was just a good day at the office for us.”

Damen added: “I was chuffed for Will on his debut, he took a smart catch at square leg and then his bowling was superb, definitely one for the future.”

Cattistock host Portland at home on Saturday (1.30pm) as they look to seal promotion and the County Division One title.

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