Dorchester v BROADSTONE – match abandoned

HAVING put themselves in a promising position against Broadstone, Dorchester’s bid for an immediate return to winning ways was halted by the wet weather.

The county town side, who suffered an alarming defeat at the hands of Ferndown Wayfarers the week before, won the toss and put their opponents in to bat.

Andy Mead (2-26) struck twice to leave the visitors on 30-2 but Sam Chapman (66) and Rob Wallis (49) joined forces and racked up 109 runs between them before Rob Waite (3-37) brought the partnership to an end.

Further wickets fell and Dorchester were back in command, needing just two more scalps to bring the Broadstone innings to a close.

The weather beat them to it, but to the detriment of the Dorset Prem-ier League encounter which was subsequently curtailed, much to the disappointment of the home skipper.

Martyn Richards said: “It was a shame as after taking a flurry of wickets we were in a commanding position.

“We were confident of taking the final two wickets in the last eight overs and then chasing down the target.

“It’s unfortunate the rain came but it did and I’m sure we weren’t the only ones to suffer. We’ll just turn our attentions to this week when we play Wimborne & Colehill in what will be another tough game.”

Discussing the 42 overs that did take place, Richard added: “We won the toss and elected to bowl. We got off to a good start with Andy Mead taking the first wicket for 30 and then having Matt Jones caught behind shortly after.

“However, their captain Sam Chapman and Rob Wallis put on 109 between them before Rob Waite had the latter lbw and then struck with the next ball.

“Shaun Little then bowled Chapman so after not taking a wicket for 25 overs we then took a flurry and were really on top.

“Rob Waite took another wicket and we brought Dan Belt back for a second spell and he made an immediate impact.

“We had to come off with them on 182-8 after it had drizzled for a while. The rain showed no signs of relenting and after half an hour of waiting any hopes of play had begun to fade as the ground was very wet.

“Myself and their captain shook hands and agreed the game was to be abandoned.”