Dorchester 148-8 (5pts) lost to WEYMOUTH 124-7 rain reduced target (17pts) by three wickets

MATT Lawes praised his side’s sensible approach on Saturday after the weather more than played its part in Weymouth’s victory over arch-rivals Dorchester at Redlands.

The damp and blustery conditions made the toss an important one to win and when the call went the hosts’ way it was immediately apparent that the county town outfit would have their work cut out.

Not only was the ball keeping low and doing all sorts off the track but the moist outfield made runs very difficult to come by.

Despite losing a clutch of early wickets and being forced off for an hour due to a rain delay, Dorchester eventually reached 148-8, only for Weymouth’s target to be reduced to 124 off 33 overs through the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Facing similarly tricky conditions and fading light, the Seasiders went on to complete that task with just three wickets to spare but afterwards the feeling in the home camp was one more of relief than jubilation.

Vice-captain Lawes, who took charge of the home side for the first time in the absence of Dean Janaway, told Echosport: “It was just one of those days where you just had to keep it simple.

“It wasn’t a day for trying to be too aggressive and I thought we played the conditions very well.

“We got three quick wickets early on and when you do that in any match it immediately puts your opponents on the back foot.

“In the end they made 148 but because of the rain delay we were faced with chasing a target of 124 off 33 overs.

“In the conditions that was still a tricky task but we knew on that pitch the key was to just play straight and that is exactly what Jim Ryall did, who got us off to a great start.

“After that we just had to keep our composure and although we did lose a few wickets, I thought Tom England, Ben Doidge and Kieron Womble came in and were excellent.

“The way Kieron knuckled down in particular was very impressive and in the end we were over the moon to get the win.”

When asked whether it was an extra special victory being against Dorchester, Lawes went on to add: “It is always nice to win no matter who you play but we were just glad to have the opportunity to get out there.

“I think the bowlers also deserve huge credit. Dan Hutchens grabbed three wickets and Dave Trotter got a couple too. I was also delighted with Tim Guyett who came on and bowled seven overs for just 20 runs on his debut and did very well.”

Trotter thought he had trapped Steve Gerety (17) leg before in the very first over but the umpire turned away his appeal before the Dorchester opener responded with back-to-back sixes.

It appeared the visitors were keen to put runs on the board early but their enthusiasm soon got the better of them as 29-0 quickly became 51-5.

Trotter got his revenge by dismissing both Gerety and Pete Moxom (10), Lawes forced Ian Sibley (0) to find the hands of Paul Payne, and then Hutchens produced a fine caught and bowled to claim the prize wicket of Dorset all-rounder Dan Belt (11) before dismissing Sam Goodhew (7) leg before.

Dorchester were shell-shocked and looked relieved when the heavens opened at 73-5 but after an hour they were back out in the middle continuing the rearguard action.

Quenton Miller (32) and Jon Legg (26) put on sixth-wicket stand of 63 before skipper Martyn Richards dug in and added 17 not out.

With the aid of 27 extras the innings eventually came to a close on 148 but with not enough time left to get another 50 overs in, Wey-mouth’s target was reduced.

The away side knew they needed a batch of early wickets or another bout of rain to save the game but neither materialised.

Hayden White (5) and Payne (2) both struggled in the conditions but ex-skipper Ryall (26) showed marvellous leadership qualities at the top of the order with some lusty blows to the boundary to give his side the perfect platform.

Moxom eventually dismissed the experienced opener with another excellent caught and bowled attempt but it did not faze the Seasiders who went on win the game thanks to solid contributions from England (12), Womble (23 not out) and Doidge (21).

A disappointed Richards said afterwards: “Once we were reduced to 51-5 it was always going to be difficult to come back so the fact we got to 148 was a great effort.

“The conditions were extremely tough and it was very difficult to score but Quenton and Jon did very well indeed and put us back in with a chance.

“However, 124 off 33 overs compared to 149 off 50 overs is a differ-ent thing and unfortunately we couldn’t quite finish them off in the end.

“Our bowlers obviously had to bowl a reduced amount of overs each and we just never put them under enough pressure and allowed them to get a few runs we shouldn’t have.

“It proved an unsatisfactory afternoon but I have no doubts we will bounce back from it.”