BERE REGIS 195-7 (20pts) beat WIMBORNE 145 (5pts) by 50 runs

BERE Regis threw down the gauntlet to the rest of the Wessex Internet Dorset Premier League, beating reigning champions Wimborne by 50 runs.

Bere have this season been challenged by captain Brian Keegan to deliver more consistency with their performances.

Already capable of beating the top sides, Bere’s struggles in recent years have come against teams ranked below them.

And, after beating Sherborne last week, the pressure was on to continue their fine form against a Wimborne side they came a distant fourth to in 2023.

READ MORE: Bere Regis beat Sherborne by nine runs

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Bere’s approach was watchful against a lively Wimborne attack.

Their innings proved an excellent contest between bat and ball, first rebuilding after the loss of James Keegan (8).

Sam Goodhew struck 16 from 28 balls and Pete Russell was more obdurate in his 21 from 70.

However, both men departed and it was left to Eral Anderson (20) and Cam Robertson to push Bere on to a defendable score.

Robertson shone with his 75 not out from 75 balls, the only Bere batter to notch a 100 strike rate with his four boundaries and a six.

Rich Cole (18) and 27 extras then boosted Bere to 195-7 from their 50 overs.

Bere bowled beautifully in defence of their total, exhibiting the happy knack of taking wickets in clusters.

Both left-arm seamer Rob Murphy (3-24) and off-spinner Sam Goodhew (3-23) took two wickets in two balls, with Goodhew snaring the key wicket of prolific batter Ben Bridgen (30), stumped by Brian Keegan.

Wimborne were wobbling at 68-6 but were given hope by a 56-run stand for Tom Butcher (36) and Harry Montacute (38).

Once Butcher was trapped lbw by Cole (3-17), Wimborne’s lower order folded as they went from 124-6 to 145 all out.

Speaking to Echosport following a notable win, Bere skipper Keegan said: “I’m absolutely overjoyed.

“We’re only two games in but we showed fortitude, attitude and application.

“Pete batted really well for his 21, he anchored the innings, Eral showed real promise but the stand-out innings was Cam.

“He batted intelligently, counter-attacked when he needed to and was backed up by Rich.

“When we came to bowl, Murph bowled exceptionally well with 3-24. The control he exuded was exceptional and Sam bowled really well.

“We did everything I wanted to. There’s still room for improvement but the consistency, with the mental approach each week, is getting there.

“Not everybody can take wickets or score runs each week but it was an all-round effort.

“To beat the reigning champions, we are chuffed to nuts. Moving forward, it proves what we’re trying to do is the right way to go.”

Bere Regis Seconds stay top of County Division Two after a six-wicket win over Sturminster & Hinton.