BRIDPORT 175-4 (5 pts) lost to FOVANT 176-1 (17 pts) by 9 wickets

BRIDPORT skipper Jon Whetlor admitted his side were well beaten by a better team on the day after their NSA Division Two promotion hopes were crushed by Fovant at the Brewery Ground.

"They were an excellent cricketing side, although I couldn't honestly say the same about their sportsmanship," commented Whetlor after Fovant snatched the second promotion spot - which Bridport had occupied by a narrow margin going into their last game of the season - and then beat a hasty retreat with not so much as a handshake.

"We have played the game in the right spirit all season and although we are disappointed not to be promoted we will be back next season to have another crack," said Whetlor.

Whetlor lost an important toss and Bridport were put in on a damp wicket.

The Bridport skipper and his opening partner Sean Fitzgerald struggled to get the ball off the wet square but they managed a solid opening stand of 70 before both went in quick succession.

Then Matt Sherring (22) and Mark Tozer (47) took the score to 114 before Sherring was out and Tozer went on to carry his bat for 47.

Dave Backhouse had opener Thatcher lbw in the first over of Fovant's reply.

But with the wicket drying out in the wind and sun, the Scott-Gall brothers were unshakeable as they took their side into Division One with a winning stand of 175.