BROADSTONE 239-9 (12pts) lost to BERE REGIS 243-9 (19pts) by one wicket

BERE Regis edged a thriller at Delph Woods to beat Broadstone by one wicket in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League.

Chasing a large target of 240 amid the small confines of the Delph, Bere Regis defied rain and the loss of late wickets to charge over the line with seven balls remaining.

Ex-Dorset spinner Sean Walbridge was instrumental, having taken 4-22 and then carving three boundaries in the penultimate over to win the game.

Rain began to fall from around the fifth over but both umpires and all 22 players were keen to play through the inclement weather.

What resulted was an increasingly lively pitch, although Broadstone were asked to bat first as Bere won the toss.

After the hosts built to 56-0, the introduction of Walbridge swung the game in Bere’s favour as he bowled openers Sean Hatton (23) and Pete Russell (32).

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Ed Jack (4) and Rich Poole (18) lasted little longer in Walbridge’s magical spell but heavy resistance came from Caleb Rowe.

Bere contrived to drop the big-hitting batsman and he duly punished the visitors, slamming 10 fours and five sixes into the Delph trees.

His 51-ball innings of 84 was eventually ended by Rob Murphy (1-54) but more powerful strokeplay from Elliott Leadbeater (48no off 32 balls) pushed the hosts well over 200.

Crispin Brown (3-58) stormed through the tail but Leadbeater propelled Broadstone to 239-9 from 45 overs.

With rain continuing to fall, Bere found themselves at 51-3 as Rich Cole (5), Sam Goodhew (7) and Murphy (8) all came and went.

Matt King (39) again anchored the chase but his departure handed Tim Goodhew, Cameron Robertson and Crispin Brown (all 41) the chance to attack.

The trio all ended on the same score but Brown’s 26-ball innings was the quickest, including five fours and three sixes.

Spinner Louis Dalrymple (3-31) and wicketkeeper Robin Wallis, with five catches, excelled as the hosts set up a tense finish with Bere nine runs from home and possessing just one wicket.

Step forward Walbridge (13no) to clatter three fours off Charlie Groves (1-46) and win the game in dramatic circumstances as Bere retained sixth place.

Speaking to Echosport, Bere captain Brian Keegan said: “There was a sprinkle of rain and it just didn’t stop – so much so that it freshened the pitch up a bit.

“Sean slapped three fours with an over and a bit to go that got us over the line.

“He also bowled really well first up with 4-22 off nine.

“We’re delighted to get over the line, considering we almost chucked it away with the way we fielded.

“It’s bittersweet, obviously you want to get over the line, which is what we ended up doing, but we made it far too difficult for ourselves.”

Elsewhere, Bere Regis Seconds beat Broadstone Thirds by 123 runs in County Division Four.

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