CHRISTCHURCH 76 (4pts) lost to BERE REGIS 157-8 (18pts) by 81 runs

BERE Regis made it four consecutive wins with an 81-run victory over Christchurch at Hurn Bridge.

Prior to the game, Bere had beaten Cattistock & Symene, Martinstown and Dorchester.

Their latest win consolidates fourth position in the Dorset Funeral Plan League, still six points behind third-placed Martinstown.

Bere batted first and, with rain falling, the hard Christchurch pitch began to liven up before the umpires took the players off.

Bere consequently had to dig in when play resumed, Rob Murphy scoring a solid 38 with assistance from Sam Goodhew and Rich Cole (both 24).

Bere eventually reached 157-8 from their rain-reduced 39 overs – and quickly set upon the home batting line-up.

After seamers Matt King (1-16) and Murphy (1-19) cleaned up openers Craig Campbell (11) and Matthew Wright (15), it was the spin show.

READ MORE: Will Maltby smashes 80 as Martinstown stun Dorchester

Dave Griffiths (4-16) spun Christchurch into a tangle with four quick wickets to leave them on 40-6.

Sean Walbridge (3-16) proved unplayable at times and chipped in with 3-16 before Sam Goodhew got in on the act with 1-6 as Christchurch were skittled for 76.

Speaking post-match, Bere Regis captain Brian Keegan was impressed by his side’s all-round game.

He told Echosport: “They decided to stick us in and it was the hardest wicket I’ve seen all year.

“They took us off for rain and it freshened the pitch up a treat. I know 157 doesn’t seem a great total but on that pitch, given the conditions, it was.

“Sam and Rob batted really well and then the partnership that got us over 150 was Rob and Rich Cole.

“Even though the track was hard, they’d left quite a lot of grass on it, which gave me the impression there could be a bit of spin in the wicket.

“When it came to us bowling, Murph and Matt bowled well opening up but the game changer was when Dave came on.

“He took 4-16 off eight and bowled a really good line. Then Sean came on and took 3-16.

“Out of all the wickets, eight out of 10 went to spin. I can’t speak highly enough of Griffter’s spell and Sean backing him up.

“Sean at times was unplayable with the spin he was getting.

“Dave bowled a good arm ball and it just went straight on, that’s where he got the majority of his wickets from.

“I couldn’t ask for much more. To roll them out for 76 is brilliant. It was a good team effort all-round.”

Bere Regis Seconds lost to County Division Four title rivals Cattistock & Symene Seconds by two wickets.