PUDDLETOWN 147-6 (19pts) beat COMPTON HOUSE 144-8 (6pts) by four wickets

PUDDLETOWN started life in County Division One with an impressive home victory against Compton House at Plush.

After winning the toss with rain loitering, Puddletown captain Adam Barrett had no hesitation in fielding first and opening bowlers Adam Weir (0-26) and Dave Morris (2-25) duly bowled well from the get-go.

After a prolonged period of slow scoring, the breakthrough eventually came from Morris who had Joe Watts (14) caught by Eastment at point.

With scoreboard pressure mounting, it was clear that the Compton House batsman felt a change of approach was needed, with Rory Richardson (12) and then Chris Haynes (11) looking to be aggressive against the spin bowling of Rob Snow (2-29).

Despite some lusty blows into the car park, Snow eventually got his reward and it was his spell, along with the accurate bowling from Steve Chaldecott (1-25), that really put Puddletown in control.

READ MORE: Puddletown to play at Plush in 2021

Puddle fielded excellently throughout the innings, which was epitomised by James Mitchell, leading the way with two simple yet important catches.

Bowling at the back end of the innings, debutant Ryan Norman alongside the returning Weir continued to make things difficult for the batsman.

When Norman picked up the prized wicket of Mike Harper (57) in the 32nd over, this allowed Puddletown to really tighten the screw meaning Puddletown only conceded 16 runs in the final six overs, Norman finishing with impressive figures of 3-23 from his eight overs.

In reply, Puddletown’s innings started nicely with opening batsman Adam Weir looking comfortable hitting two boundaries in the first over.

Matt Porter (0) did not have such luck, dismissed leg before in only the second over of innings to the impressive Harper (1-15).

A common theme in Puddletown’s batting over the past couple of seasons is the middle order getting starts but failing to kick on and capitalise.

Despite looking comfortable at the crease, Weir (29), Mitchell (14) and Barrett (29) were all dismissed the pessimists amongst Puddle’s supporters may have felt a sense of déjà vu.

Puddletown’s middle order of Snow (26no) and Chaldecott (20no) helped ensure Puddletown won the match fairly comfortably in the end, with six overs and four wickets remaining.

Barrett said: “To come into a new division and start with a win is a really fantastic achievement.

“Compton House are a strong side who have consistently done well in this league, so beating them first game is a brilliant feeling.

“It gives us confidence in our ability to be in this league, and hopefully gives a strong foundation in which he can hopefully be successful in our quest to stay in the division.”

Barry Knight Building and Maintenance man of the match: Rob Snow

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