MARTINSTOWN 74-1 (20pts) beat CHRISTCHURCH 71 (0pts) by nine wickets

MARTINSTOWN took 10 wickets for just 19 runs to thrash Christchurch by nine wickets in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League.

Town have now skittled four different teams for under 100 this season as their formidable bowling attack once again tormented the opposition.

Jenson Stewart and captain Sam Kershaw have previously taken five-wicket hauls for the Villagers this season.

However, experienced seamer David Trotter (6-13) trumped both men with a stunning nine-over spell, which included three maidens.

Trotter’s magic with the ball came after Christchurch had built to a promising position of 52-0.

Young paceman Charlie Andrews (0-17) was taken out of the attack by the umpires after bowling too many beamers – a dangerous delivery that flies at the batsman above waist height.

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It forced Kershaw to turn to Trotter earlier than expected – a twist of fate that worked perfectly for the hosts.

Trotter removed openers Craig Campbell (23) and Matthew Wright (16) before ousting Charlie Rodgers (3).

Fraser Hill chipped in with the wicket of Tom Marsh (0) and Trotter completed his six-for with the rapid dismissal of Ben Nethersole (2), James Bingham (0) and Gavin Darwin (2).

Trotter’s sublime effort only just shaded Hill’s performance, the Town all-rounder himself excelling with the ball.

He wasted little time in mopping up the tail to finish with neat figures of 4-10 from 7.3 overs as Christchurch crumbled to 71 all out.

Faced with a tiny target, Martinstown’s aggressive batting style helped them record victory in 11.5 overs.

That was despite the early loss of Sean Williams (5) who was pinned leg before by Rodgers (1-27).

Opener Steve Gerety took the initiative and thumped an unbeaten 49 from 42 balls, including eight fours, with Will Maltby (15no) helping Town to victory.

Speaking to Echosport, Kershaw said: “We won the toss and thought we’d have a bowl.

“They were 52-0 and Charlie got taken off for bowling beamers, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

“I don’t know if he was trying to send me a message to bring Trots on, but Trots helped us take 10 wickets for 19 runs. It was madness.”

On the chase, Kershaw added: “It was never going to be easy. They’ve got some good young bowlers but Steve stepped up. It was a day for the old guard!

“Unfortunately he didn’t get his 50 but it was brilliant. He just took the game to them.

“It’s a good way to finish the first half of the season.”

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