BRIDPORT 127 (6pts) lost to SHILLINGSTONE 217-8 (20pts) by 90 runs

NOT even the experienced head of Dave Herbert could stop Bridport’s ongoing suffering in Dorset League Division Three as they went down to a 90-run home defeat against Shillingstone.

With Mark Smith’s men marooned at the bottom of the table and their opponents flying high at the top, the outcome was somewhat of a foregone conclusion but there were some encouraging signs for the hosts to cling on to.

Shillingstone took to the crease first and were soon in the ascendancy with their top five batsmen all making decent contributions, with Matt Salisbury (38) and Jamie Weldon (39) leading the charge.

However, Bridport stuck to their task manfully in the field and stopped any of the quintet going on to compile a big tally with Herbert (4-24), Sam Good (1-27), Wes Lewis (2-57) and Dave Backhouse (1-51) all grabbing breakthroughs.

In fact, it was only a spirited knock from Harry Salisbury (22 not out) that ensured the visitors edged over the double century mark with the hosts set 218 for victory.

Herbert (28), Liam Toohill (18) and Sam Challis (22) all got starts but thanks to fine bowling from Nick Marshall (5-31) and Bob Edwards (3-29), Shillingstone contained the run chase and continued taking wickets, particularly when the batsmen attempted to become more expansive.

Luke King (23) then put up some resistance in the middle order but with three ducks and a quartet of players falling for single figures, Bridport could only muster 127 before eventually being skittled in the 40th over.

Smith’s side now sit 4.51 average points adrift of safety and face a crucial fortnight, starting this Saturday at home to Blandford Seconds, who occupy the place above them.

Victory against their fellow strugglers followed by another at mid-table Portland Red Triangle the following weekend would provide Bridport with a glimmer of hope.

But at the moment that appears to be a tall order for a side that has only won twice so far this season.