DORCHESTER THIRDS 164-7 (19pts) beat POOLE TOWN FOURTHS 160-8 (7pts) by three wickets

DORCHESTER THIRDS consolidated on top spot in Dorset Funeral Plan Division Seven thanks to victory over Poole Town Fourths.

But the visitors, anchored to the foot of the table with four losses to their name, pushed their high-flying opponents all the way in a nail-biting finale.

Despite losing the toss, Dorchester began well with the ball by restricting Poole’s opening pair to 24 runs from the first 10 overs.

Lloyd Mitchem, who generated cunning late swing, was impressive with the new cherry while Dan Floyd (5-22) quickly reduced the visitors to 50-3.

Floyd and skipper Pete Tucker curtailed any thoughts Poole harboured of posting a mammoth target with economical death bowling.

In reply, Dorchester’s effort got off to the worst possible start when last week’s centurion Jae Miller was trapped in front first ball.

Tom Cottrell (17) fell in similar fashion before Nick Roe (6) was athletically caught in the deep.

Youngsters Nick Beer (40 not out) and Floyd came to the crease with their side reeling and belied their tender years.

Fourteen-year-old Beer drove the ball impeccably whereas Floyd defended stoutly and smashed three fours and a six later before he was castled for 20.

Floyd’s dismissal could have triggered a collapse but Beer and Rob Pering (21 not out) absorbed the pressure with an unbroken stand of 53.

Tucker said: “Each week it seems to be another young Dorchester player who steps up to the mark.

“Lloyd Mitchem led from the front with the ball and Dan Floyd produced with both bat and ball.

“However, Nick Beer, who was playing only his second senior game, produced the match-winning innings to be proud of.”