ABBOTSBURY 177-9 (20pts) beat KINGSTON LACY 144 (7pts) by 33 runs

ABBOTSBURY continued their recent good form with a superb team performance to defeat Kingston Lacy by 33 runs in County Division Three.

Swans’ skipper David Worsdell had no hesitation in opting to bat first after a successful toss and openers Alex Drew (26) and Ashley Harrow (10) got the innings off to a reasonable start with a partnership of 31 before the latter was bowled by James Holton (2-27).

Harrow’s dismissal brought Nick Kneebone to the crease who early on survived a sharp chance in the slips, a missed opportunity that was to prove costly to the away side.

Drew was looking in good touch with a couple of beautifully timed boundaries but fell when a top edge was caught at point and Kynan Brian (6) was next to depart when he edged behind to leave the score at 62-4 after the 19th over.

With the offensive Chas Duerdoth now in the middle the Swans were hopeful of an increase in the scoring rate but it was proving difficult against a disciplined Kingston Lacy bowling attack.

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Duerdoth (26) did briefly fire but after bludgeoning a four down the ground an excellent off cutter by Luke Westacott (1-42) rattled the stumps.

Kneebone was still there however quietly accumulating runs and enjoyed another slice of fortune when he was dropped at point before reaching his half-century shortly afterwards.

Steve Maine (2-23) got despatched for three boundaries in his first over to loosen the shackles for Abbotsbury and Kneebone finally departed run out in the 37th over after contributing a vital 78 to the Swan’s total of 177-9.

In reply, Kingston Lacy started well with an opening partnership of 45 after 12 overs but the introduction of Brian (2-31) into the attack paid early dividends with two great deliveries that first removed Dale Coghlan (19) and the incoming James Holton (1), both bowled.

Opener Andy Thompson (24) had survived a couple of catching opportunities but was removed with a smart piece of fielding by Kneebone, when a diving stop was followed with a direct hit for a run out.

John Burns (23) hit two sixes but fell to spinner Pankaj Nikale (2-31) to leave the away side on 68-3 after 20 overs.

At this stage, Kingston Lacy were still in the game but the pendulum swung strongly in the Swans’ favour with three wickets in successive overs, the deceptive pace of Harry Testa-Fisher (3-19) accounting for Greg Horlock (18) and Matt Holton (0) and Nikale picking up his second wicket.

Medium pacer Alex Drew (2-42) also picked up a brace to snuff out a counter attack by Westacott (20) who hit two late sixes but the tail were unable to provide support as Abbotsbury earned maximum points.

The Swans move up to fourth in the table ahead of the visit of unbeaten table toppers Chalke Valley today (1.30pm).

Abbotsbury main sponsor: Brace of Butchers

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