PUDDLETOWN 184 (7pts) lost to MARNHULL 185-4 (20pts) by six wickets

PUDDLETOWN missed the chance to clinch the County Division One title with a six-wicket defeat by Marnhull at Plush.

Batting first, Puddletown’s Matt Porter struck a fine 58 but 4-39 for Paul Woodrow helped bowl Puddle out for 184.

Marnhull then polished off the total with ease in just 32.5 overs, Max Ritchie hitting 44 and Woodrow 35 not out.

Speaking to Echosport, Puddletown captain Adam Barrett rued his side’s performance, admitting it was an opportunity to secure the title that has slipped through the net.

He said: “It was a good toss to win for us and we were happy to be batting first. We were absolutely cruising at drinks sitting on 110-2 from 20 overs.

“We really should have kicked on at point and been looking at 240 plus, but we totally collapsed in the middle and could only reach 184.

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“Despite Marnhull bowling very well to pin us down, when you look at our dismissals, three run outs and two stumpings really shouldn’t be happening. Hopefully we can take lessons from this and learn from them in the future.

“Although it’s easy to be critical now after a couple of defeats, we are all extremely proud of what we have achieved this season to be in the position we are in.

“We know what we need to do heading into the penultimate weekend, so hopefully we can get things back on track when we make the difficult journey to Swanage tomorrow.”