SHILLINGSTONE 179 (7pts) lost to ST GEORGE’S 181-5 (20pts) by five wickets

SAM Goodhew starred with both bat and ball to help St George’s clinch back-to-back home wins in Dorset Sunday League Division One.

The final result was a comfortable five-wicket win over Shillingstone but after 20 overs of the first innings victory seemed a long way off as the visitors took advantage of some wayward bowling to race to 139-2.

The home side’s new-ball pair of Rich Cole and Julian Davies struggled with their line in blustery conditions and Nick Marshall (70) took full advantage to record a quickfire half-century.

Hitting mainly through the leg side he punished the numerous four balls sent down to him before he was well caught by Garry King.

At drinks it looked as though the Saints would be chasing a big target but for the second week in a row, Sam Goodhew’s (4-17) off-spin ripped out the middle order.

With Mark James (2-32) also picking up a couple of wickets and Rich Cole (3-48) returning to mop up the tail, the visitors lost eight wickets for only 40 runs and were bowled out for 179.

The Saints’ reply began positively with opener Davies scoring a breezy 23 before Sam Goodhew was joined by younger brother Tim to record a half-century stand for the third wicket.

Both batsmen drove fluently through the off-side and took a particular liking to Marshall’s slow left-arm bowling, although he did claim Tim’s wicket in his final over.

Dave Griffiths then joined Sam at the crease and the pair took their side to the brink of victory with a partnership of 71.

Left-handed Griffiths (41) struck a number of boundaries while his partner continued to get runs at a good rate.

Although a couple of wickets fell with the hosts just short of their target, Sam Goodhew (72 not out) hit three fours in the 40th over to clinch the win.