Dorchester THIRDS 228-7 beat LYTCHETT MANOR 188 by 40 runs

FLEDGLING Dorchester Thirds secured their first win of the Dorset League Division Five season with a 40-run triumph over Lytchett Manor.

Star of the show for the county town outfit, who fielded four 16-year-old debutants, was Jae Miller.

The top-order batsman plundered 90 runs, including 12 fours, as the hosts totalled 228-7.

Other key contributions came from Lloyd Mitchem, who finished unbeaten on 62 before snaring 3-29 with the ball, Taylor Quinten (3-26) and Luke Cotterell (4-32).

After losing their first wicket with the score on 19, Dorchester recovered as Miller and Jamie Quinten (15) put on a 64-run partnership.

The latter was then caught at gully before new boy Rich Smith was unfortunately run out.

Mitchem then joined forces with Miller and the duo added 53 vital runs until Miller’s fine knock was brought to an end, 10 shy of a superb century.

Cameron Lucas (12) and debutants Cotterell (19) and Scott Parker (6) all chipped in lower down the order as Dorchester closed on 228-7.

Mitchem and Taylor Quinten made early breakthroughs in Lytchett’s response, leaving the visitors on 38-2.

However, an excellent partnership between Marlow and Hannam put Lytchett back in contention.

That was until Taylor Quinten returned to the attack and removed Marlow (43) to end the duo’s 111 stand.

Leg spinner Cotterell then took his first wicket for the senior team, having McCloud (1) well caught by Mitchem.

After Hannam (67) was caught by Miller off Taylor Quinten’s delivery, the county town side were firmly in command.

And they completed their task with Cotterell and Mitchem claiming the final five wickets for the concession of just seven runs.

Dorchester captain Pete Tucker said: “Victory was set up by the batting of Jae Miller and Lloyd Mitchem, who batted so patiently but also put away the bad balls to the boundary with some very hard hitting.

“Luke Cotterell put in an impressive all round display while pick of the bowlers was Taylor Quinten, who at the age of 16 bowled 12 impeccable overs.”