BERE REGIS 264 (20pts) beat CHRISTCHURCH 136 (7pts) by 128 runs

BERE Regis recorded their eighth victory in 13 Dorset Premier League games this season with a resounding 128-run success over Christchurch.

Brian Keegan’s men followed the template for many a victory at Bere Regis Rec, scoring big in the first innings and then using spin to wipe out the opposition.

Key to that blueprint is winning the toss and Keegan’s correct call and decision to bat proved significant.

That was despite early assistance for the Christchurch attack as Bere fell to 36-3 when Pete Russell (14), Sam Goodhew (0) and Matt King (8) went cheaply.

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Cam Robertson carved 35 off 33 balls before perishing to Thomas Hughes (1-26) but a classy innings from Rob Murphy put Bere back on track.

He teamed up with Tim Goodhew (28) to share 63 and hit a number of gorgeous drives on his way to 82 from 74 balls, featuring 13 fours.

Although he missed out on a century, Pete Macklin continued the heavy scoring with 49 from 50 balls, Bere finishing on 264 all out with Henry Hayes taking 4-69.

Murphy (1-12) continued his excellent game with the early wicket of Hughes (1) bowled but Kai Darwin (22) and James Bingham showed good touch in their innings.

However, King (1-46) prised Darwin out before the Russell and Sam Goodhew show as the duo took the remaining eight wickets between them.

Russell nabbed 5-39 while Goodhew returned 3-20 as conditions swung in favour of the bowlers.

Only Bingham (36) and Liam Bowater (11) surpassed double figures thereafter, amid a healthy 41 extras, Bere quickly wrapping up victory with 115 balls remaining.

Speaking to Echosport, Keegan said: “At 36-3 after 12 overs there was doubt in the mind. Cam batted well for his 35 and Tim ground it out for his 28.

“Murph, I thought he was going to get a ton and quickly. He batted very fluent and seemed to drive the ball effortlessly.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Murph and Pete, who got 49. The two of them, essentially, got us to where we were.

“264 on a Bere track, no matter who you are, is tough to chase. We got an early breakthrough with Murph and he was still blowing from his batting!

“Pete and Sam bowled really well, they were the two standouts, so I can’t fault the effort in the field. A very good day’s work.”

Bere Regis Seconds lost to Poole Town Thirds by ten runs in County Division Three.

Main sponsor: Booth Gadenne

First and second XI match ball sponsor: Dorset Reclamation