MARTINSTOWN 133 (2pts) lost to CHRISTCHURCH 134-1 (20pts) by nine wickets

MARTINSTOWN suffered an eighth home Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League loss of the season as Christchurch took a nine-wicket win at Lower Ashton Farm.

Skippered by stand-in captain Ryan Chase in the absence of Sam Kershaw and injured vice-captain Ed Nichols, the Villagers found the going tough against a Christchurch side that has made a significant impact on Dorset’s top flight in their debut season.

Martinstown, who last week saw their safety in the division confirmed after a season-long relegation fight with bottom side Stalbridge, won the toss and elected to bat first.

Sean Williams (19) and George Pope (6) guided the hosts to 33-0 but Martinstown then lost 10 wickets for 100 runs, beginning with the former.

Only a determined 43 not out by Will Maltby helped lunge Martinstown into triple figures, aided by 25 extras, as Liam Bowater (3-28) and crafty spinner Nick Marsh (3-13) destroyed the lower order.

Christchurch’s impressive batting line-up was barely troubled in response but Chase (1-31) did have Joe Malone (23) caught by Jenson Stewart as the visitors reached 85-1.

But Ben Francis (79no) was in imperious form, striking 13 fours and two sixes alongside Ben Rayner (13no) as Christchurch cruised to their target with 22.4 overs remaining.

Speaking to Echosport, Chase echoed Kershaw’s stance on bringing young players through the ranks, despite the defeat.

He said: “We’ve got quite a young team at the moment and we’re bringing a few players in, which is what Kersh has been doing ever since we were mathematically safe.

“We’ve tried to bring some in and give opportunities to some of the younger players, so it was hard. I haven’t played Christchurch before but they were quite a strong team and knew their game well.

“It was just with the bat that we couldn’t hit enough runs and give ourselves a chance to field and bowl to a score.”

Chase added: “Maybe it’s just consistency in putting out the same team. People have other commitments.

“I’ve been in the team for a few years now and definitely this year it’s been one of the hardest to get consistency out. That’s shown its worth in being able to put a regular team out.

“We’ve played some teams where we feel we should give them a better contest, but they’ve got the edge on us because they’re playing with the same 11 or 12 players week in, week out.

“I don’t think we’ve named an identical side two weeks in a row for a while.”