WEYMOUTH SECONDS 167 (3pts) lost to SUTTONERS 168-1 (20pts) by nine wickets

BIG hitter Darren Cowley smashed an incredible 87 not out off just 38 balls as Dorset League Division One champions Suttoners cruised to an nine-wicket success over Weymouth Seconds at Dean Park.

The Dorset batsman was at his irresistible best as he sent the ball to all parts of the ground with 10 fours and seven huge sixes in a swashbuckling stand of 131 with Chris Rawlings, who cracked 64 off 35 balls.

That emphatic first-wicket partnership helped the hosts knock off their target of 167 in just 12.4 overs with Rawlings the only wicket to fall after he holed out to Andy Bray off a delivery by departing skipper John Ryan.

But it was not all doom and gloom for the Seasiders. In fact, they should have posted a much better score, particularly after youngsters Kieron Womble and James Almond had put on 96 in an impressive stand for the second wicket.

Fellow youth products Luke Carrington (0-25 off two overs) and Neil Walton (0-54 off four overs) were just two of the unfortunate ones to be carted all over the ground by Cowley and Rawlings but according to Ryan, such an experience will help them become stronger players in the future.

He said: “Cowley and Rawlings went out there and they knew exactly what they were doing. We had our fielders all in and they just teed off with good straight hitting. Even when we put a couple of lads out on the boundary they just kept putting it over their heads.

“They’ve been doing that to teams all season and I was just glad we won the toss because had they won it they would’ve chosen to bat and done exactly the same thing, which would’ve been demoralising for our younger players.

“We had six or seven in the side that were aged 20 or under and for them to go and play at the county ground against the likes of Cowley and Rawlings was always going to be a great experience. Even though we lost, they will learn from it and will no doubt be stronger for it in the future.

“They all enjoyed it and it was great to see a few of them get amongst the runs, particularly Kieron and James. They had to face the new ball and bat against very good bowlers, so they will take a lot from that.

“They both looked well set and probably should’ve gone on to get even bigger scores. Once you get into the 40s and 50s it’s about application and having the hunger to go on and get a big total but that will no doubt come with experience.

“Even us bowlers will all learn something despite being carted all over the place. Take Neil Walton for instance. He has had a very good season and I am sure he will come back even better after this.”

Despite such a comprehensive defeat the Seasiders have finished fourth in the league, which is a fantastic achievement.

Ryan, who will now step down as captain, added: “After gaining promotion last year, the aim was to consolidate this season and to finish where we have done is extremely pleasing.”