MARTINSTOWN 176-7 (20pts) beat CHRISTCHURCH 175 (6pts) by three wickets

MARTINSTOWN were inspired by Gerety brothers Ry and Jadan as Christchurch were beaten by three wickets in their Dorset Premier Two clash at Lower Ashton Farm.

Martinstown have largely started slowly in recent seasons but were straight on the money from the off here.

Skipper Charlie Durant won the toss and elected to field, Henry Lewis (2-58) making early headway.

After an injury to Jacob Coombs, Finlay Williams (1-28) chipped in with a rare bowling appearance to remove opener Craig Campbell (26) before Jadan Gerety stole the show.

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The teenage leg-spinner claimed four quick wickets and bowled superbly in tandem with Durant (2-45).

Martinstown were able to reduce Christchurch from 128-3 to 175 all out with Gerety fittingly finishing off the innings to record brilliant figures of 5-35.

Christchurch proved no pushovers as Will Marsh (2-45) struck twice in two balls to remove Ed Nichols (5) and Sean Williams (0).

However, Lewis (50) rebuilt with Ry Gerety as the Villagers weathered the early storm.

Even though Lewis departed soon after reaching his half-century, Gerety stepped up to compile a fifth of his own.

Although a late cluster of three wickets fell around Gerety, he remained calm with an assured knock of 72 not out containing seven fours and two sixes to expertly guide Town home.

Speaking to Echosport, Durant said: “I’m very happy. The Geretys, what a performance from them both, they must’ve had their Weetabix.

“A fifer and a 70 for Jadan and Ry, both young lads, so it’s perfect. Henry laid the platform really well and the pitch played well given the weather we had.

“Christchurch won’t be afraid to say that they left a few out there. They definitely could’ve got 200-plus.

“Everyone bowled well and it wasn’t ideal losing Jacob early due to a shoulder injury. Finlay isn’t known as a bowler, I gambled on him and he’s bowled unbelievable.”

On Ry Gerety’s innings, Durant added: “Ry was brilliant, he came in at a tough time and played with a maturity beyond his years.

“I needed someone in the top four, I was looking around the team and felt Ry was perfect. He’s 18 now, developing into a really good keeper and he’s backing that up with the bat.”

Elsewhere, Martinstown Seconds were thwarted by a wet outfield at Christchurch Seconds in Division Four.