CHRISTCHURCH 96 (5pts) lost to BERE REGIS 196 (19pts) by 100 runs

BERE Regis put Christchurch in a spin to get off the mark in the 2023 Wessex Internet Dorset Premier League with a comfortable 100-run victory at Hurn Bridge.

While Bere did not take maximum batting points, this performance was close to complete as they dominated the majority of the match.

Barring an excellent opening spell from seamer Spencer Briars, who took 1-6 in his first seven overs, Bere were on top and guided by a fabulous 85 from debutant Theo Talbot.

He came to the crease at 8-1 after Dean Rogerson (2) was run out and saw Bere through to 166-7 having partnered with five different batters.

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Of those, only Tim Goodhew (22) reached double figures as Bere relied on Talbot’s heavy scoring, the batter taking particular liking to the spin of Nick Marsh.

He dished out three fours and two maximums before Marsh (3-58) got his revenge, tempting Talbot into offering a catch to Thomas Hughes.

Dave Griffiths then added a late 20 at number nine and the addition of a generous 39 extras pushed Bere along to 196 all out.

In reply, Christchurch had to rebuild after the early loss of James Bingham (0), caught by that man Talbot off Rob Murphy (1-21).

Bingham would be the only Christchurch batter to fall to seam as Bere’s formidable spin attack then set about their work.

Sean Walbridge (3-16) pinned Craig Campbell (9) in front and, when Sam Goodhew removed the well-set Jy Taylor (33) in the same fashion, the floodgates opened.

Christchurch wilted from 64-2 to 96 all out as Goodhew (4-30) tore out the hosts’ middle order and Walbridge exposed the tail.

Rogerson (1-4) and Griffiths (1-2) then polished off the innings without alarm as Bere climbed to fifth in the standings.

Bere skipper Brian Keegan told Echosport: “We were indebted to Theo on his debut, he was supported by Tim and Grifter (Griffiths).

“But they contributed to their own downfall, they gave us 39 extras.

“The wicket was hard work for both sides and then when we came to bowl we just had to keep it tight.

“Everybody bowled well, Payner (Rich Payne) and Murph bowled well and then the spinners came into play.

“It was a perfect result for us really. If you’ve got spinners when you go up there, it’s a bit of a basic game plan but you bat first and then defend it.

“If you’ve got spinners it makes a hell of a difference. Hopefully it’s a springboard for better things to come.”

Bere’s second string remain top of County Division Three after a thumping 115-run victory at home to Kingston Lacy.

Main sponsor: Booth Gadenne

Match ball sponsor: Dorset Property Surveys