WEYMOUTH SECONDS 91 (6) lost to BRANKSOME 132 (18) by 41 runs

DUE to other results going their way Weymouth Seconds remain top of Dorset League Division Two despite suffering a shock home defeat against Branksome.

Michael Pearce (5-40) and Dave Trotter (3-41) put the Seasiders on course for victory by helping skittle the visitors for 132.

However, the league leaders then failed to apply themselves adequately enough with the bat as they collapsed to 91 all out with Shambeel Choudhary (5-30) doing the majority of the damage. Weymouth skipper John Ryan said: “We had to change wickets in the days leading up to the game due to the heavy rain we had in the middle part of the week and although the groundsman did a fantastic job to prepare it in time the track was really slow. “The ball kept low and it was really hard to get away but it was the same for both teams so there are no excuses.

“We bowled and fielded very well. Michael and Dave were both excellent and when we skittled them for 132 we thought ‘thank you very much.’ “However, due to the conditions, in the back of my mind I always thought that could be a competitive total and so it turned out to be.

“As soon as we lost Hugh Lawes, one of our more experienced batsman, early on it set the tone really.

“We had a few little partnerships that gave us some hope with Gavin Lamb (39) batting superbly again in the middle order but unfortunately we fell well short in the end.

“To be honest I am surprise Branksome are not higher up the table than they are because they are a decent side.

“As for us, we have been let off the hook a bit because both our nearest rivals lost as well, which means we remain top with just three games of the season remaining.”

Pearce and Trotter used their wealth of experience and bowling prowess to great effect in the first innings as they bowled over Branksome’s top order and soon had the visitors struggling on 55-4.

However, key contributions by James Hardy (16) and Martin Huntley (39) ensured the away side stuttered their way to three figures.

Huntley eventually fell to Vijay Mote (1-14), who also produced a stunning catch to dismiss Ian Daly (1), but in reply Weymouth were unable to keep up the momentum. As soon as Lawes (0) and Ben Doidge (1) both fell to early leg before decisions it was clear the home side were going to struggle to reach their target.

They soon found themselves on 21-5 and although James Almond (12) and Lamb did their best to put up some resistance, Branksome’s bowling attack proved just too good as they took full of advantage of the slow wicket to claim a 41-run success.