DORCHESTER 243-5 (20pts) beat BLANDFORD 242-7 (7pts) by five wickets

DORCHESTER returned to winning ways after chasing down a sizeable 243 against an impressive Blandford side at Dorchester Rec.

Jon Legg’s men came into the game having lost their previous Wessex Internet Dorset Premier League clash at Bere Regis.

And, while reigning County Division One champions Blandford were always underdogs, the visitors certainly gave a good account of themselves against a top-quality Dorchester line-up.

Luke Carter won the toss, batted and guided his side to 111-2 despite the early losses of Christian Watts (11) and Mike Shepherd (10).

READ MORE: Dorchester lose by three wickets to Bere Regis

Carter (47) then fell just short of his half-century, bowled by Legg (1-33), but Jamie Mitchell (39), Ron Wates (37) and Gus Mitchell (41no) all ploughed on as Blandford reached 242-7 from 50 overs.

Dorchester’s reply breezed along to 61-0 before a mini collapse gave Blandford the advantage.

Sathiya Narasimhan (23) was first to go, offering a catch off Jamie Mitchell (3-31).

Dorchester had barely pushed on to 72-1 before they remarkably lost three wickets without scoring, Mitchell removing Legg (31) and Simon Mitchem (0) in successive balls before Aaron Day (1-47) forced Jamie Barrett into finding the hands of Carter.

At 72-4, Dorchester were indebted to Gautham Rajendar and Dan Belt for digging them out of trouble.

The duo constructed a century stand of 107 for the fifth wicket, Belt (73) in belligerent form striking 12 fours and a six in his 66-ball knock.

When he was bowled by Shepherd (1-52), Dorchester were 179-5 and still had plenty of work to do.

But Rajendar (52no) cruised to his half-century off 48 balls and was accompanied by Kiwi overseas star Harry Jones (36no) as Dorchester’s strength in depth paid dividends.

In the end, the hosts’ chase was a comfortable one as they eased home with 8.2 overs to spare.

Speaking to Echosport, Legg dedicated the victory to Dorchester’s treasurer Gary Greenway after a family bereavement.

He said: “Blandford posted a challenging total. It felt like we were unlucky not to take more wickets and reduce their total but I’m delighted with the way we came out and batted.

“We lost a cluster of wickets early but Belty and G came in and formed a great partnership, then H came in and picked up where Belty finished. Overall, a good win.

“It was a good response from last week, we’ve still got things to work on and we know that.”

Legg added: “I’d also like to add the lads all learned the sad news that our treasurer, Gary Greenway, lost his dad Friday night and he would have been watching the live stream as he couldn’t get to the Rec.

“We dedicate this win to Gary and wish him and his family our best.”

Elsewhere, Dorchester Seconds beat Abbotsbury by 95 runs in County Division Three, while Dorchester Thirds lost by two wickets at Charlton Down Seconds in Division Six.