WEYMOUTH SECONDS 223-5 (20pts) beat BRIDPORT 61 (2pts) by 162 runs

WEYMOUTH Seconds began their pursuit of an immediate return to Dorset Funeral Plan League Division One with a clinical demolition of Bridport.

Skipper John Ryan watched his batsmen amass 223 in the curtain-raiser at Redlands before unleashing his hungry bowlers on the inexperienced visitors.

After reaching 33 without loss, Bridport crumbled under the pressure, losing all their wickets for just 28 runs to slump to a 162-run defeat.

Steve Budd returned devastating figures of 4-3 in four overs while 14-year-old Cameron Armfield enjoyed a magical debut by taking 3-9.

Ryan, who predictably was delighted with his side’s performance, said: “We were sharp in the field, took all our catches, and batted well to lose only five wickets.

“Bridport were the architects of their own downfall in many respects because they gave us a lot of wides when we were batting and dropped chances.

“They got off to a flying start with the bat but I told our bowlers to pitch the ball up more and they were a lot more effective.

“We picked up a couple of players who have turned out for the first team and have more guys to come in, which will make competition for places even stronger.”

He added: “We want to take second XI cricket as close to the Premier League as we can get and this is a great start.”

Andy Jarvis (17) and Hugh Lawes (56) compiled a first-wicket stand of 49 for Weymouth, before teenager Kieron Womble (46) and James Ladd-Gibbon (38) accelerated the total.

Bridport off-spinner Joe Ashton, who left an indelible mark by claiming 9-9 on his debut last season, snared three wickets (3-35) from 12 overs.

Ashley Nicholls (1-51) and captain Chris Backhouse (1-60) were the other wicket takers but the concession of 38 extras lifted the target above 200.

After tea, Bridport openers Sam Good (18) and Martin Rowe (16) provided a quick start but once both had departed their reply capitulated.

Mark Smith and Dwayne Gay were both stumped by ex-Bridport player Mark Tozer before Armfield and Budd hastened the end of the innings, which closed inside 23 overs.

Defeated Bridport skipper Backhouse said: “I think it was just down to first-match nerves and a bit of rustiness because we haven’t even played a practice match.

“Weymouth got off to a slow start with the bat but because we gave away so many wides it allowed them to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

“We felt pretty confident of chasing down the runs but needed to apply ourselves and instead we gave our wickets away.”