BERE REGIS 114-3 (20pts) beat CHRISTCHURCH 110 (2pts) by seven wickets

BERE Regis were unchallenged by Christchurch at Bere Regis Rec, recording a simple seven-wicket victory in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League.

Scoring the maximum 20 points in the process, Bere backed up last week’s win over champions Dorchester in perfect fashion.

Christchurch captain Craig Campbell surprisingly opted to bat first after winning the toss and, on a surface traditionally offering lateral movement for the bowlers, Bere’s seamers got stuck in.

Simon Proffitt and Rich Payne (1-9) conceded just 18 runs from their 13 overs and the run out of opener Matthew Wright (0) reduced Christchurch to 19-3.

Ex-Dorset spinner Sean Walbridge (2-20) then joined the party, dismissing Gareth Williams for a 17-ball duck as the visitors limped to 19-4.

READ MORE: Dorchester sink Martinstown to lead standings

Duncan Willcocks (28) and James Cross (21) dug in but both men perished before late runs from Nick Marsh (12) and Henry Hayes (11) tipped Christchurch into three figures.

However, the calamitous run out of Hayes ensured Bere would need just 111 for victory, Matt King ending with 2-23 and young seamer Harry Green (1-19) claiming his maiden first-team wicket.

King followed up his 65 against Dorchester with another measured knock in Bere’s reply.

He dominated an opening stand of 49 with Rich Cole (8) and was assisted by Payne (19) as Bere cantered to 88-2.

When Cameron Robertson (6) fell cheaply, Tim Goodhew (19no) wasted no time in putting Christchurch to the sword.

King (51no) will have been glad to reach his half-century before Goodhew teed off, hoisting Wright for a big six to complete a comfortable win.

Speaking to Echosport, Bere skipper Brian Keegan said: “We lost the toss and, to be perfectly honest, expected to be batting.

“They decided to bat first, which was: ‘Thanks very much’, but you’ve still got to back it up.

“Prof and Rich bowled really, really well.

“Thirteen overs between them and 2-18 – they were going at a run an over.

“From a pressure point of view it was ideal and it set the platform for Sean and Sam (Goodhew).

“We kept picking up wickets and that kept putting Christchurch under pressure, the wickets were shared around.

“When we were chasing, Matt batted really well again and Rich batted well. Then Tim saw it home, it was a really good day at the office.

“I couldn’t ask for any more from everyone. We’ve got the quality in the side, it’s purely getting the attitude right.

“Off the back of last week, they followed that up and hopefully that continues.

“There’ll be hard tests ahead, but all we can do is face up to what we’ve got in front of us.”

Elsewhere, Bere Regis Seconds lost by nine wickets at Cattistock and Symene Seconds in County Division Four.

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