SHERBORNE 190-8 (19pts) beat MARTINSTOWN 158 (6pts) by 32 runs

MARTINSTOWN secured their Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League status for another year despite a 32-run defeat to third-placed Sherborne at the Terrace.

Sam Kershaw’s men enjoyed a 46-point buffer to bottom side Stalbridge before the day’s play and the north Dorset side’s subsequent loss to Wimborne & Colehill assured Martinstown of safety.

Martinstown had chosen to blood several youngsters for the clash at Sherborne and the visitors, who used the uncontested toss rule to bowl first, made early inroads through Matt Camp (2-31).

Jamie Stewart (1-22) also weighed in with the wicket of home captain Marc Lock (0) before teenager Will Maltby, more renowned for his batting, claimed a superb 3-29 as Sherborne wobbled to 82-6.

The hosts were indebted to a fabulous 57 from Tim Durston who finally perished to 14-year-old debutant leg-spinner Ed Maltby (1-37).

Important late knocks from Emlyn Kuhn (33) and Andrew Nurton (34no) saw Sherborne post 190-8 from 50 overs in tricky conditions.

Martinstown’s chase began well as Lee House (20) and Sean Williams (34) helped the away side to 62-0 until both men fell without adding to the score.

Stewart (34) and Kershaw (35) put on 59 before Stewart fell to Paul Hancock (2-21) and Shane Pulling (2-36) then removed Camp (2) and Kershaw to leave Martinstown on 141-5.

Kuhn (4-37) was in ruthless mood and ripped through the Villagers’ youthful tail to help wrap up the innings on 158 all out.

Speaking to Echosport, Kershaw was relieved to have finally put safety in the top flight beyond doubt.

He said: “We did half the job with four bowling points and then to go on and add batting points was good enough to get us over the line.

“It was a really good day out, good for the young ones and Ed got his first wicket which was brilliant for him.

“It was a really weird game, a bit of a dead (rubber) but it’s experience for the young ones.

“To stay up is fantastic. It’s been a bit of a stressful season for us but (on Saturday) everyone had a smile on their face and you could see everyone relax a bit.

“We are a very close-knit team. I’ve probably been a bit harsh on some of the guys to get performances out of them.

“Now it’s time for me to repay them and say ‘go out, have a bit of fun, play with a bit of freedom and if you want three slips and a gully, then crack on!”

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830990

e: neil.walton

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @EchoSportNeil