Dorchester beat Broadstone by 129 runs

JON Legg took a stunning seven-wicket haul as reigning Dorset Premier League champions Dorchester crushed Broadstone by 129 runs at Dorchester Rec.

Legg was the star performer on the day, hitting 36 before his left-arm spin returned figures of 7-41 from 9.1 overs.

Dorchester’s efforts gained them a point over leaders Wimborne, who could not match the county town’s maximum-point win, despite beating Bere Regis.

Just seven points separate the sides with eight games remaining.

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Dorchester won the toss and elected to bat on a warm day at the Rec but soon lost Jim Ryall (27) after a brisk 35-ball stay.

Simon Mitchem and Seb Carty (52) constructed a classy century stand until the latter smashed a full toss straight back to bowler Tommy Jack (4-51).

Gautham Rajendar (11) also fell to a Jack full-bunger, before Mitchem (61) recorded his half-century.

He was eventually prised away from the wicket when Jack bowled him while attempting a sweep.

And when in-form Eral Anderson (10) also perished to Jack, Dorchester were 178-5.

Mike Peak (33) and Legg shared 72 late on to push Dorchester to 262-7 from the 50 overs, with Mike Holm (2-45) snaring both men.

On a wicket conducive to spin, it did not take captain Dan Belt long to turn to Legg – particularly after a fast start for Broadstone, who cruised to 59-0.

Legg soon accounted for openers Ben Jack (28) caught and bowled and then Saathvik Kondreddy (17), before Jack Owens (1-23) took the key wicket of big-hitting Dan Cook (5).

Broadstone managed to get to 100-3 but then lost four wickets for just two runs as Legg completed his fifer and Simon Mitchem (2-12) removed Charlie Groves for 22 off 23 balls.

And the remainder of the tail gave little resistance as Legg wrapped up the innings either side of Mitchem’s second wicket, the two bowlers performing superbly in tandem.

Speaking to Echosport following another outstanding win, Belt was delighted to win so comfortably against an established Premier Division side.

He said: “Especially with the start they had with the bat, they put on 60 for the first wicket but then the spinners came into play and played a huge part.

“Obviously, Leggy getting seven-for railed it in and 133 all out was a great result.”

Reflecting on the batting, Belt said: “It was great to get those scores but it was disappointing nobody went on and got a big one.

“Some of the dismissals were poor shots, I think there was three full-bungers that got wickets.

“Overall, to get 262 that was our minimum aim. A little disappointed we didn’t get 300 but happy to get 250-plus.”

But Belt reserved praise for Legg, adding: “It was a wicket that suited the spinners more, he bowled amazingly well.

“Si at the other end, as well. It was a great bowling performance and another very good fielding performance as well.”

Dorchester Seconds lost at Charlton Down by 90 runs in County Division Two, while Dorchester Thirds beat Swanage Thirds by 43 runs in Division Six.