New twist in runners-up chase

BRIDPORT 224-7 (20pts) beat CATTISTOCK 102 (4pts), by 122 runs

THE race for promotion to Dorset Division One took a new twist when Bridport scooped maximum points at the Brewery Ground.

With nearest rivals Fovant losing at home to new champions Weymouth Seconds, the West Dorset side gained the psychological edge, scraping into second place by just 0.06 points with two matches remaining.

The results ensure that the battle for runners up spot will be decided by an end-of-season showdown when the two teams meet at the Brewery Ground on August 28.

Bridport's middle order answered the call of captain Jon Whetlor after three disappointing displays.

Matt Sherring (20), Mark Tozer (31) and Joe Hawkins (26 not out), all posted decent contributions to push their side up to a defendable target.

Captain Jon Whetlor was once again in the runs after a two-week drought, opening with an excellent 87.

He hit 10 fours and a six before he was caught out on the boundary and he was pleased with a much improved performance from his team-mates. He said: "It wasn't easy, there was some really good bowling by Richard Fagence and Buddy Langford.

"A tight opening spell restricted us to a slower than normal start, but once Langford came off the runs started to flow a bit more.

"Matt Sherring came in and played a really good innings before running himself out, then Mark Tozer played superbly. He hit one of the biggest sixes the ground has ever seen wide of long on.

"Joe Hawkins was brilliant, he added 35 for the final wicket with Lewis Stripp and it was the difference between getting 224 and 160."

Young Hawkins, age 15, hit 16 off Langford's final over in his second spell to boost the total.

A fantastic catch from Andy Sherring at gully in the second over put Cattistock under pressure early on with another youngster, Adam Herring (3-15), doing all the damage with the ball.

When it looked as though Mike Nobbs might build a steady partnership with Langford, Chris Backhouse came on to bowl the former with a yorker and spinner Ryan Hayter soon swept away the tail end.

Tozer also completed a fine afternoon with three good catches.