PUDDLETOWN 161 (5pts) lost to SHAFTESBURY 162-2 (20pts) by eight wickets

PUDDLETOWN suffered a big eight-wicket defeat to Shaftesbury in their title-deciding County Division Four clash at Puddletown Rec.

Knowing that promotion was already secure, Puddletown experimented with their side using a variety of different batting and bowling combinations.

Having lost the toss, Puddletown were surprisingly inserted to bat and this decision looked even more bizarre after Lucas Allen (20) and Alby Stevens (48) got Puddletown off to a flyer.

After eight overs, Puddletown had already bought up the 50, with Stevens looking particularly impressive.

However, in typical Puddletown style, the loss of Allen in the 12th over triggered a middle-order collapse, going from 72-2 to 94-5, with Lewis (2-18) bowling particularly well against the wind.

After drinks, Adam Barrett and Callum Chaldecott tried to rebuild the innings, and appeared to have done so successfully bringing the score to 140 before they were both dismissed by Pym for eight and 23 respectively. After some late hitting, Puddletown managed to crawl up to 161. Lawrence Yeo was the pick of the bowlers with 4-17.

In response, Puddletown opening bowlers Adam Weir (0-37) and Chaldecott (0-17) came charging in hitting the pitch hard at pace. Apart from a close caught behind decision, the Shaftesbury opening batsmen looked very comfortable, overcoming any challenges the Puddletown attack threw at them.

With the score on 88, Aled Williams (48) fell to Steve Chaldecott (1-22) to bring an end to what was a very composed and determined innings.

At this point, Shaftesbury continued to make steady progress and apart from losing one further wicket, brought up the required score of 162 in the 32nd over having lost just two wickets.

Speaking after the match, Puddletown skipper Barrett was in an upbeat mood.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to have gained promotion in my first season as captain. The boys have all been magnificent, and I couldn’t wish to spend my Saturdays playing with a better bunch of guys.”

In regards to Shaftesbury, whose win earned them the league title, Barrett said: “We shared a few drinks together after the match to congratulate each other on promotion. On the day, Shaftesbury wanted it more and were by far the better side. I wish them all the best, and I’m looking forward to playing them again next season.”

n Puddletown’s end of season presentation evening will be held on Saturday, September, 16 at 7:00pm at Dorchester Football Club.

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