BERE REGIS 228-6 (20pts) beat BROADSTONE 144 (5pts) by 84 runs

BERE Regis made it six Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League wins in a row with an 84-run win over Broadstone at Bere Regis Rec.

Victory also keeps alive Bere’s chances of finishing third for what would be a highest placing since winning promotion in 2017.

Their triumph was based on a solid innings of 228-6 – their biggest score at home this season.

It came after Broadstone won the toss and chose to field, openers Matt King (28) and Dave Griffiths (19) guiding Bere to 52-0.

However, the introduction of first change bowler Pete Russell (3-37) reversed the momentum as Broadstone battled back to put Bere in trouble at 87-5.

Rob Murphy and Rich Payne joined forces for the sixth wicket and amassed a game-changing stand of 82.

The duo were able to strike out in the closing stages, with Payne’s 44 coming from just 51 balls.

READ MORE: Dorset lose final game of season to Oxfordshire

Murphy (63no) accelerated too, hitting two sixes and reaching his half-century, sharing 59 with Rich Cole (20no) to set Broadstone 229 to win.

Payne (2-14) was in form with the ball in Broadstone’s reply, sending Rich Poole (0) and Sean Hatton (8) back to the pavilion.

Then Bere’s infamous spin attack took over, Griffiths (1-25) bowling Simon Leadbeater (2).

Caleb Rowe (42) dished out some punishment with four sixes and two fours as he led the retaliation, but Bere worked around his big hitting.

Sean Walbridge ripped out the middle order with his deadly combination of economy and big turn, claiming 5-13 from nine overs as he reduced the visitors from 85-3 to 95-8.

Ben Jack (17no) and Peter Thompson (15) struck defiant late runs but youngsters Tom Munnings (1-24) and Cameron Robertson (1-0) polished off the Broadstone tail to secure victory.

Speaking to Echosport, Bere skipper Brian Keegan said: “When Caleb went, it was practically game over.

“Wickets were shared around with the exception of Mr Walbridge again, with 5-13.

“He’s bowled well all season, but the last couple of games he’s just found that little bit extra rhythm.

“It feels like he could shut his eyes, turn his arm over and it would still land in the right place. He bowled extremely well.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the team. They all put a shift in, as they have done over the whole season.

“We’ve had a fair amount of success over the last six weeks, so I’m more than happy.”

Elsewhere, second-placed Bere Regis Seconds now cannot win the County Division Four title after their match with Broadstone Thirds fell foul of the rain.