NICK Cheeseman’s fine knock helped last year’s runners-up, Bere Regis, book their spot in the next round of the Dorchester Evening League Knockout Cup.

The Bere batsman plundered 84 runs as his side (166-2), who suffered heartache at the hands of Martinstown in last year’s final, got the better of Charlton Down (128-7), despite the efforts of Nick Roe (54no).

Herrison Youth (206-2), cup winners in 2008, also won through after seeing off the challenge of Colliton Club (117).

Jim Woodruff ended the Herrison innings unbeaten in 55 before James Dunham (3-18) helped skittle their opponents.

Derek Knight accounted for 86 of Plush’s 128 runs in their cup clash with Cattistock but it was the latter (172-8) who progressed.

Martinstown (60-1) continue to occupy top spot in Division One after easing to victory over Puddletown (57).

Liam Banfield starred with the ball as he snared three wickets for the loss of just three runs.

Level on points with the table-toppers are reigning champions St George’s (104-5), who bounced back from the previous week’s defeat to Martinstown by overcoming Cerne Valley (84-7).

Ian Hutchings (33) top scored with the willow before Dorset team manager Sean Walbridge (4-13) produced a devastating spell with the leather.

Alfie Fitzgerald’s (55) half-century and Mark Lewis’ (3-6) trio of wickets helped Hazelbury Bryan (99) break Herrison Youth’s (68) unbeaten start to the campaign.

Division Two leaders Abbotsbury (143-4) returned to winning ways with a six-wicket victory over Winfrith (142-5).

Dan Pope smashed an unbeaten 56 for the latter but his efforts were narrowly surpassed by Chris Backhouse’s 62 in reply.

However, the league leaders (75) then suffered their second defeat of the season when they fell at the hands of second-placed Cattistock (79-4).

Puddletown Reserves (108-9) remain pointless despite Lloyd Mitchem’s valiant show against Bere Regis (148-7).

The all-rounder hit one shy of 50 in his side’s innings before recording bowling figures of 2-31. However, Bere Regis proved too strong with Dean Rogerson racking up 73 runs.

In the division’s other fixture, Charlton Down (107-8) got the better of Frampton (66).

Martinstown Seconds (76-0) notched their first win of the Division Three campaign, beating Puddletown RFC (74-7) in the process, while J Stuart’s fifer (5-32) was not enough to prevent Plush (90-9) going down to a narrow defeat against Colliton Club (93-9).