MATT Stickland smashed a fantastic century to help Abbots-bury on their way to victory over Bere Regis in Dorchester Evening League Division Two.

The batsman finished unbeaten on 102 as Abbotsbury posted an impressive tally of 146-2. In reply, Bere could only manage 116-5 with Steve Budd (4-14) claiming 80 per cent of the dismissals.

In the top flight, reigning champions St George’s (135-4) maintained their perfect start to the season by beating Cerne Valley (78-8).

The Saints had Andy Legg’s knock of 60 and Mark James’ haul of 4-16 to thank.

Martinstown Seconds (123-3) are through to the next round of the Knockout Cup at the expense of Puddletown Reserves (119-6).

Conor Ross (57 not out) top scored for Martinstown with the bat but his total was surpassed by the Villagers’ H Mason (71 not out), while M Evans snared 5-11 to help stem the flow of Puddletown runs.

Plush (72-4) also enjoyed victory in the cup as they sent Frampton (70-6) crashing out. And they (124-7) tasted success in Division Three as well, beating Puddletown RFC (92-4).

Elsewhere in the third tier, Churches United (71-3) surpassed BAE’s (68-5) total to claim the spoils.

RESULTS Knockout Cup: Martinstown Seconds 123-3 (C Ross 57no, S Chaldecott 2-42) beat Puddletown Reserves 119-6 (H Mason 71no, M Evans 5-11); Plush 72-4 (T Atkinson 28, J Pretty 1-13) beat Frampton 70-6 (J Pretty 36no, O Chubb 2-8).

Division One: St George’s 135-4 (A Legg 60, S Green 3-20) beat Cerne Valley 78-8 (A Healey 30, M James 4-16).

Division Two: Abbotsbury 146-2 (M Stickland 102no, P Macklin 1-35) beat Bere Regis 116-5 (T Bennett 48, S Budd 4-14).

Division Three: Plush 124-7 (G Stephens 35, M Perrett 4-22) beat Puddletown RFC 92-4 (K Vercoe 31, L Raines 2-17); Churches United 71-3 (M Hoffman 33, R Horne 1-8) beat BAE 68-5 (M Joseph 40, D Morris 2-10).

FIXTURES Tonight, Division Two: Charlton Down v Puddletown Res.

Division Three: Martinstown Seconds v Puddletown RFC.

Knockout Cup: Hazelbury Bryan v Dewlish.

Tomorrow, Division One: Herrison Youth v Puddletown, Martinstown v Dorchester Youth.

Tuesday, May 26, Division Two: Abbotsbury v Cattistock.

Division Three: Churches United v Plush.

Wednesday, May 27, Division Two: Bere Regis v Puddletown Res.

Division Three: BAE v Puddletown RFC.