Echo Cup Final

SAGGIES 140-6 beat BALTI HOUSE 82-8 by 58 runs

SIMON Browne produced an unbeaten half-century as Saggies retained the Echo Cup with a 58-run victory over top-flight rivals Balti House at Redlands .

The Weymouth all-rounder’s knock of 51 not out enabled the cup holders to set a challenging target of 140 which their opponents never looked like surpassing despite the spirited efforts of opener Andy Jarvis (21).

Simon Browne, who deservedly picked up the Paddy Weston Shield for man of the match, said: “To be honest I thought the game would be a lot closer than it was.

“They bowled well for the first 10 overs and kept it tight but we stuck around and after putting a couple of little partnerships together we then had a big bash at the end, putting on 60 more runs in the final five overs, which was where the game was won.

“Instead of chasing 90-100, Balti were faced with 140 and we were always confident we would defend that.

“We got off to a good start with the ball with two quick wickets and once we had them four down we knew we were pretty much there.

“Basically we are just a bunch of mates that decided to come together as a team a couple of years ago, so to have now won this trophy twice is a pretty good effort.”

Ben Doidge (24) ensured that Saggies got their innings off to a solid start but when he followed Kieron Womble back to the pavilion it gave Balti huge hope at 35-2.

However, Simon Browne refused to budge and although Alex Browne (4), Nigel Evans (10) and Matt Camp (3) all came and went cheaply, the score continued to tick over.

Paul Gadsby (16) and Mark Robinson (11 not out) then helped accelerate the innings in the closing stages as 74-5 quickly became 140-6 as the Balti bowlers toiled under the pressure, conceding 18 extras.

To stand any chance of chasing down that total, Marco Nott’s men desperately needed a solid start to their reply but it failed to materialise with two of their top three falling for ducks in the very first over.

Opener Jarvis then dug deep in response in trademark fashion but unfortunately for Balti wickets continued to tumble around him with Elia Thureirajan (6), Nott (5) and Sam Polley (2) all falling for single figures.

Jarvis and Rich Bament (3) then quickly followed and at 53-7 the game was all but over.

To their credit, Balti did put up some late resistance but Saggies were never in any danger as they coasted home with Camp (2-13), Gadsby (2-18) and John Ryan (2-15) the pick of the bowlers.