WITCHAMPTON 50 (1pt) lost to PUDDLETOWN 52-2 (19pts) by eight wickets

PUDDLETOWN continued their relentless form in County Division One with an eight-wicket demolition of Witchampton.

Adam Barrett’s men have laid waste to some of the best sides in Dorset this season.

And they duly dismantled their fellow promoted side on their own patch in a devastating display of bowling.

This performance came after losing the toss as the Witches – who have not scored more than 147 this season – looked to set a commanding total.

Yet their hopes were quickly extinguished by Puddletown’s ruthless bowling attack.

Although paceman Adam Weir (0-8) went unrewarded for some tight bowling, the pressure he created proved telling at the other end.

Fellow seamer Dave Morris was the man to take advantage, removing Andy Chambers (0), Gavin Wayman (8) and Adam Croker (0) to finish with 3-16.

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He bowled superbly in tandem with spinner Rob Snow, who spun the Witches into serious trouble.

Once Snow accounted for dangerman Harrison Bowles (12), the game was up and only Daniel Bartram (13) reached double figures thereafter.

Snow (5-15) was in inspired form and helped mop up the tail with Ryan Norman (2-8) as Witchampton were rolled over for 50.

Puddletown knew they needed to reach their tiny target of 51 without losing two wickets for maximum points.

But wily bowling from Stewart Hibberd, whose slow outswing conceded just six runs from eight overs, had Puddletown in watchful mood early on.

Hibberd dismissed Craig Eastment (5) and Ricky Hempstead (1-23) ousted Snow (13) as Puddletown missed out on the full 20 points.

It was left to James Mitchell (22no) and Adam Barrett (7no) to guide Puddle over the line after using up 21 overs.

Speaking to Echosport, Barrett credited his team for a near perfect performance in the field.

“Last weekend against Swanage we didn’t field well at all, so it was great to see a response this weekend.

“Dave and Rob ripped them apart with the ball. They both bowled brilliantly to help us skittle them for 50.

“Although it was a shame to lose two wickets chasing, we got over the line comfortably and keep the unbeaten run going for another week at least.”

Puddletown next visit Compton House on Saturday (1.30pm).

*Puddletown Seconds lost by six wickets to Blandford Seconds in County Division Five North & West.

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