BROADSTONE 134 (3pts) lost to DORCHESTER 138-2 (20pts) by eight wickets

DORCHESTER began their Dorset League title defence in fine style with a resounding eight-wicket victory over Broadstone at Delph Woods.

Dan Belt’s men are gunning for a fourth straight Premier League trophy but were tasked with a tricky assignment at Broadstone.

The short confines of the Delph’s boundaries make large scores easily accessible – so Dorchester will have been delighted to dismiss their opponents for 134 after winning the toss and fielding first.

When Broadstone built up to 36-0, Dorchester hit back with four wickets for 12 runs as James Dunham (2-38) and Dan Belt (1-23) removed the top order.

READ MORE: Dorchester beat Bournemouth Seconds in final friendly

Young debutant Billy Baker (3-13) then broke the Broadstone spine with a tremendous spell, helping reduce the hosts to 71-7.

Caleb Rowe (30) proved difficult to handle but Dorchester chipped away before Broadstone did well to add 25 for the final wicket.

After dismissing Broadstone from just 37.3 overs, Dorchester batted before tea and got off to a good start in pursuit of 135.

Openers Jim Ryall (20) and Simon Mitchem compiled a brisk 42-run stand, which included taking six wides in an 11-ball over delivered by Harry Leadbeater (0-36).

Ryall was bowled by Mike Holm (1-29) but Mitchem then played the anchor role as overseas star Gautham Rajendar smacked 21 from 10 balls.

The duo moved Dorchester on to 93-1 until Rajendar perished to Marcus Cook (1-14).

With 42 still needed for victory, all-rounder Mike Peak (22no) joined Mitchem to kill off the game.

Mitchem ended unbeaten on 47 with eight fours, just shy of a half-century, as Dorchester coasted home with a whopping 170 balls to spare.

Speaking to Echosport, captain Belt was encouraged by Dorchester’s display in all departments.

He said: “Everyone played well, the bowlers did their job and the batsmen went out and looked good with the bat.

“It was a reasonably comfortable win in the end.

“With the Bournemouth win last week and people having a good turn out then, it gives you that confidence going into the first game.

“Then winning the toss and putting (Broadstone) in on quite a green wicket, it was good to get a feel of how the wicket would play and go from there.”

On the bowling display, Belt said: “It could’ve been 100, but the Delph is one of those places where 130, at most places, is 80 or 90.

“Everyone bowled really well, no one let the team down at all. Billy was very good, he’s bowled well pre-season and carried that form on.

“There was a dropped catch off him as well, but very happy with how he bowled and how the other boys backed him up.”

Assessing the batting, Belt added: “Si and Jim got us off to a good start before tea and then Rajendar came in and got a quick 20.

“Si and Peaky knocked them off. Even those 20 not outs in a low total is great confidence for the next game.”