FERNDOWN WAYFARERS 105 (16pts) beat Dorchester 96 (8pts) by nine runs

DORCHESTER surrendered top spot in the Dorset Premier League following an “inept” show with the bat at struggling Ferndown Wayfarers.

The hosts entered the clash in poor form, still searching for their opening win of the season, while the visitors boasted an unbeaten record.

And when the fine efforts of the returning Andy Mead (4-24) helped see Wayfarers bowled out for 105, a total significantly enhanced by 38 extras, another county town victory looked on the cards.

However, wickets soon began to tumble and, despite a late rally from tail-ender Krish Subramanian (19 not out), Dorchester fell short of their target and lost by just nine runs. Captain Martyn Richards said: “In reflection it was a day for the bowlers and whilst congratulating Wayfarers on an incredible victory, we must work on the basics this week with a particular focus on discipline with the ball and sensible batting.

“The 20 points were there for the taking and instead we got an inept performance with the bat. Surpassing a target of 105 against any team and on any pitch should not have been a problem.

“For having got to within 10 per cent of their score we got three bonus points but that is scant consolation from what has to be put down as a bad day at the office.”

The county town skipper was also left to rue the concession of 38 extras.

He added: “The legitimate balls were great and to be fair we had arguably the best bowling attack in the league. But for the last two weeks, our opponents’ top score has been extras.

“This time extras came to 38 and included 37 wides, outscoring the nearest batsman by 21.

“It was though fantastic to have Andy Mead back and he didn’t disappoint.”

Dorchester won the toss, electing to field, and Dan Belt (3-32) and Phil Morley (2-32) immediately made life difficult for the Ferndown openers with plenty of movement with the new ball.

The home side were soon struggling at 40-4 but Leigh Dunham (15) and Chris Armstrong (13) steadied the ship somewhat until Mead had the former trapped leg before.

The next four wickets fell for the addition of just nine runs but Sanjay Lankage (17 not out) and Richie Sellers (4) combined for a crucial last stand of 25.

Dorchester got off to a dreadful start in reply as Dave Maslen was sent packing in Robbie Stammas’ (2-30) first over.

And fellow opener Adam Rendell (10) was then dismissed in bizarre circumstances. Wayfarers claimed the batsman’s edge had bounced up off first slip’s foot before finding the hands of Dunham at second slip – an appeal that was subsequently upheld.

And the sorry state of affairs continued as the county town side spiralled to defeat, despite Subramanian’s last-gasp effort.