STURMINSTER & HINTON 48 (1pts) lost to CHARLTON DOWN 52-3 (19pts) by seven wickets

CHARLTON Down returned to winning ways with an emphatic seven-wicket victory over Sturminster & Hinton in County Division Three.

Down had lost to Chalke Valley last time out, but a devastating spell of 6-15 from Mark Homewood and some exceptional catching by captain Jack Eveleigh and Roger Frapwell wrecked the Sturminster & Hinton batting in this contest.

After just 10 overs the score was 15-7 – despite Sturminster having won the toss, opting to bat first.

A patient 16 from Nathan Edmonds thwarted Down before Kieran Heath (1-13), Joe Taylor (1-7) and Matt Stevens (1-5) took a wicket apiece to quickly end the innings on 48 all out with only 24 overs bowled.

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Charlton quickly met the winning target in just 14 overs, but the loss of three wickets knocked a point off the maximum possible of 20.

Eveleigh (17), Roger Frapwell (4) and Simon Dunford (0) were the batsmen to be dismissed, with James Green (1-16) the pick of the home bowlers from his seven overs.

However, Jonathan Kay (16no) and Matt Stevens (10no) saw the visitors home to victory with ease.

Down visit Hamworthy Rec Seconds on Saturday (1.30pm).