CHRISTCHURCH 104 (6pts) lost to DORCHESTER 253 (20pts) by 149 runs

DORCHESTER returned to winning ways in the Dorset Premier League with a comprehensive 149-run victory over Christchurch at Hurn Bridge.

Dan Belt’s men were looking to restore winning momentum after their five-wicket loss to leaders Wimborne.

And not only did they achieve that, Dorchester now only trail Wimborne by seven points after the Minstermen took only 18 points from their win at Sherborne.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Dorchester got off to a good start as Jim Ryall (17) and Simon Mitchem (28) built steadily.

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When Ryall was dismissed by Charlie Rodgers (3-41) and Mitchem was run out, Dorchester were 58-2.

New batters Eral Anderson (58) and Gautham Rajendar (52) then plotted their way to a century stand in brisk time.

The duo amassed 109 together, combining for 15 boundaries and a six, before perishing to Rodgers with expansive shots to leave Dorchester on 167-4.

Dorchester lost further momentum when Spencer Briars (3-42) claimed three quick wickets, but a timely unbeaten 36 from Jon Legg (36), including four boundaries, took Dorchester to 253 all out amid another flurry of wickets.

Dorchester, so powerful with the ball, made the 254 target almost instantly out of Christchurch’s reach as they picked up wickets in clusters.

Belt (2-19) claimed two in two balls, James Dunham (2-36) chipped in with a brace and Jack Owens (4-25) matched Belt’s feat as Christchurch slipped to 61-6.

Rob Nobbs (2-18), so impressive last week at Wimborne, returned with his own double either side of Owens bagging the dangerous James Cross (29) as Dorchester took the four remaining wickets for just 22 runs.

Speaking to Echosport, Belt said: “The boys are over the moon, to win and pick up two points (on Wimborne) it just means that we haven’t got to go chasing results.

“We were saying that we could easily go through so many games and catch them without them losing. We were buzzing.

“Winning the toss and getting off to a good start, then with Eral and Gautham batting well, it got us into a great position.

“Then they both got themselves out and we did stall a bit, but Leggy once again at the end got us up to the 250 mark.

“It always helps to have runs on the board, even though our bowling is very strong. If you have runs behind you, you can have attacking fields and go for wickets.

“We picked up early wickets, which put us in a great position. The boys bowled well, I only used four bowlers. It was an all-round very good performance from everyone.”

Elsewhere, Dorchester Seconds collected their first win of the County Division Two season as Martyn Richards scored a fine 112 to set up a huge 154-run success over Shillingstone.