CHRISTCHURCH 194 (6pts) lost to BERE REGIS 256-5 (20pts) by 62 runs

PETE Russell’s inspired unbeaten century helped guide Bere Regis to a 62-run victory at Christchurch in the Dorset Premier League.

Despite missing a host of first-team players, including in-form Cam Robertson, Matt King, Rich Payne and Rich Cole, Bere were able to claim a third-straight win.

Brian Keegan’s men now sit in third place, just 13 points behind leaders Dorchester.

Keegan won the toss and chose to bat first on a warm day at Hurn Bridge, losing young star Tom Munnings (2) to Henry Hayes (1-16).

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Sam Goodhew (18) was then trapped lbw by Liam Bowater (2-52) but Russell found a major ally in Jacob Kennard as the duo piled on 93 for the third wicket.

Kennard struck 46 of those, with Russell reaching a confident half-century before the stand was broken by Matthew Wright (1-40).

Bere were now 147-3 and looking to set an imposing total, Tim Goodhew clubbing 27 off 21 balls including two sixes and three fours before departing to Thomas Hughes (1-53).

Russell had meanwhile compiled 69 runs but shared scoring duties with Rob Murphy (30) as the duo inflicted more pain on a tiring Christchurch attack.

Russell (103no) deservedly reached a composed century off the 130th ball of his innings, crashing his 13th four from a Ben Elston (0-48) delivery, cheered to rapturous applause from his Bere teammates.

Although Murphy was bowled by Bowater in the final over, Bere managed to pile on 256-5 from 50 overs, the immovable Russell carrying his bat.

And Russell (1-19) was not done there as he struck with the very first ball of the hosts’ reply, pinning Joe Malone bang in front.

Bere turned to their spinners for further rewards and balanced a flurry of runs with picking up wickets.

Of the Christchurch batters to resist, Kai Darwin (48) came closest to reaching fifty before he lofted a catch to Munnings off the expensive Sam Goodhew (3-80).

Big-hitting Bowater blasted 16 off six balls, comprised of two sixes and a four, before perishing to Sean Walbridge (3-44) as Christchurch’s hopes of victory faded at 115-5.

James Cross (44) took up the baton alongside Elston (22) but Bere continued to chip away, Munnings recording 2-14 as Bere polished off the tail for an impressive win.

Keegan told Echosport: “The scorecard says we won by 62 runs but it wasn’t comfortable.

“It was a really good track. Pete, it goes without saying, batted beautifully on it.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the bloke. He anchored the innings all the way through and went at a good rate.

“Jacob batted extremely well and there were contributions from Tim and Rob. To be fair, 250 is probably par on that track.

“Christchurch batted at a good rate and didn’t give it up. They scored 194 but there were still 12.1 overs of their reply left. It was a good game.”

Elsewhere, Bere Regis Seconds lost by ten wickets to Poole Town Thirds in County Division Three.

Bere main sponsor: Booth Gadenne

Bere Regis first & second XI match sponsor: Pete Cheeseman