CRICKET

WHILE the majority of West Dorset were relaxing on Bank Holiday Monday, 22 stalwarts of local cricket gathered to honour the late Vernon Payne at the Brewery Ground, Bridport, in the annual memorial cricket match.

The VP XI, captained by John Hutchings, were asked to bat, making a solid start against some tight bowling from 13-year-old Ritchie Thomas and veteran Paul Coatsworth.

Openers Stuart Gay and Nick David laid a solid foundation for an innings of 220 from 56 overs before they were both dismissed by the in-form Alistair Brooks.

Gavin Gay and Bruce Maltby soon set about upping the run rate before Maltby became Brook's third victim of the morning session.

This brought Rod Gay to the crease to partner his nephew Gavin and together they put on 80 for the fifth wicket.

Gavin and Rod played shots to all parts before Coatsworth broke the partnership by trapping Rod leg before for 43. Gavin was the next to go for an entertaining 68.

The pick of Bridport's bowlers were Brooks (3-26), Coatsworth (2-29) and Dave Backhouse (2-22).

Bridport's innings got off to a very shaky start as they lost their top four batsmen to Rod Gay and Simon Beal for a mere 11 runs.

Tom Hayball (39) and Chris Backhouse (32) repaired the damage leaving Jon Whetlor (59) and Paul Tweddle (53) to put Bridport in sight of victory.

However the VP XI achieved the tie they deserved when last man Coatsworth fell to 13-year-old Duane Gay, who took two wickets in the last over of the game.

The day was a success for all concerned and John Hutchings commented that it was a fitting tribute to the great Vernon Payne.