Dorchester beat Wimborne by three wickets

DORCHESTER blew the Dorset Premier League title race wide open with a three-wicket victory over former leaders Wimborne & Colehill at Dorchester Rec.

Dan Belt’s men move into second spot, with Wimborne dropping two places to third after Poole Town comprehensively beat Broadstone by eight wickets.

In what is shaping up to be one of the most exciting finishes to the Premier League season in recent years, all three teams are covered by just nine points with four games remaining.

Dorchester were asked to field on a warm day having lost the toss but stuck to their task superbly.

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After Colin Randall departed lbw to James Dunham (1-20) having made a brisk 25, Dorchester put the brakes on to good effect, with Dunham bowling five maidens.

Dangerman Ben Bridgen (20) was removed by Rob Nobbs (1-37) and George Guirdham could only score 14 from 62 balls before he was stumped by Jim Ryall off Simon Mitchem (3-33).

At 83-3, Mark House counter-attacked with 34 from 29 balls, including six fours, although he and Simon Watkins (16) became victims of Gautham Rajendar (2-26).

Dorchester now had their opponents at 136-5 and breezed through the tail as Mitchem ousted Tom Butcher (12) and Harry Fairchild (10).

And Jack Owens polished the innings off with a swift 3-21 as Wimborne were dismissed for 177.

Dorchester made steady progress to 49-0 in the chase before Bridgen (1-29) bowled Seb Carty (11).

Wimborne began to fight back as Watkins (4-21) bowled superbly across two spells, firstly trapping Ryall lbw for a well-made 40 before removing Mike Peak (6).

Eran Anderson (26) and Mitchem (15) departed soon afterwards as Dorchester were checked at 122-5 with 56 runs still required for victory.

Belt struck 19 from 23 balls to edge Dorchester closer, his innings ended by Watkins who also removed Owens (0) two balls later.

Wimborne were now firmly in the game until an inspired partnership of 26 for the eighth wicket halted their charge.

The alliance came between Rajendar (21no) and Jamie Barrett (12no), both men running well between the wickets to tick off the runs and close out a crucial victory.

Speaking to Echosport, Belt said: “The boys are buzzing, it was a hard-fought game and nice to come out on top, especially after losing a close game against them at their place.

“It was obviously a dry pitch with the weather we’ve had, but both teams bowled very well.

“There was extra bounce and the outfield was lightning fast. It was a battle between both teams’ bowlers to see who came out on top.”

He added: “Losing the toss doesn’t bother us. We’re quite happy to bowl in the heat and back ourselves.

“All the bowlers chipped in and were backed up by the fielders. It was amazing to get them out below 200.”

On a chase in which momentum ebbed and flowed between the title rivals, Belt said: “We got off to a nice start and they bowled well.

“The spinners came on and the ball was turning. We dug ourselves a little hole but I wasn’t concerned. We still had batters to come in.

“Myself and Gautham got us closer but we bat down to 11 so I’d always back the boys coming in to see us home.”

And Belt said the title is now “all to play for” between the three sides.

He said: “We’ve been saying all along that if we pick up maximum points there’s a chance other teams are going to drop a point here and there.

“Winning this game we’re within seven of Poole and two ahead of Wimborne. It’s all to play for and there are teams out there that can compete with any of us.

“We’ve got to keep focusing on our own game and pick up as many points as we can.”

Dorchester Seconds lost at Shaftesbury by nine wickets in County Division Two, while Dorchester Thirds were beaten by 91 runs at Lytchett in Division Six.