BERE REGIS 257-5 (20pts) beat BLANDFORD 203 (6pts) by 54 runs

SAM Goodhew produced a man-of-the-match performance as Bere Regis beat Blandford by 54 runs in the Wessex Internet Dorset Premier League.

Goodhew stroked an unbeaten 102 from 129 balls before taking 3-39 as Bere claimed their fourth win of the season, moving up into fourth spot in the process.

Looking to exploit the humid conditions, Blandford won the toss and chose to bowl first.

They quickly set about eating into the Bere top order as Rob Harding (2-39) trapped both Pete Russell (1) and Theo Talbot (0) leg before.

READ MORE: Bere Regis lose to Sherborne by 30 runs

And, when Ryan White (1-61) bowled Cam Robertson (2), Bere were up against it at 21-3.

Goodhew then got to work with Rich Cole (45) and the duo shared 98 to first steady and then progress the Bere innings before Jamie Mitchell (1-41) pinned Cole in front.

By that time, Goodhew was on 41 and he was then outscored in his next partnership, despite chalking up a half-century, as James Keegan accrued 29 before falling victim to Ed Wates (1-31).

At 187-5, Blandford would take no further wickets as Rob Murphy scored a quick unbeaten 28 from 32 balls in support of Goodhew, who registered his century late on having struck 15 fours.

Goodhew’s patient knock ensured Bere finished on 257-5, including a deplorable 50 extras, but Blandford were in no mood to throw in the towel as they scored freely in reply.

Blandford’s top four batters all scored a minimum of 25, with openers Christian Watts and Luke Carter laying a strong foundation.

The duo pushed the Division One champions to 56-0 before Murphy (1-48) had Carter caught behind by skipper Brian Keegan.

Blandford’s scoring went interrupted until Bere introduced their infamous spin attack.

And it came as little surprise when Goodhew provided the breakthrough, bowling Wates (39) to end his fluent 47-ball knock.

Former Dorset spinner Sean Walbridge (1-34) then bowled Watts (41) but Blandford were still handily placed at 168-3, leaving the result in balance.

However, off-spinner Dean Rogerson (4-35) and Goodhew ripped through the middle order, Rogerson bowling Mitchell (25) and Saul Rimmer (18), to leave Bere on the brink of victory.

When Cole (1-0) held a return catch off Aaron Day (5) to complete the win and a wicket maiden, Blandford had lost their last seven wickets for just 35 runs.

Speaking to Echosport, Brian Keegan said: “At the second drinks break they were still well in the game and it was a case of us digging in.

“With both bat and ball we showed character. Collectively, they dug us out of a hole because it was a 50-50 at that stage. We got a couple of wickets which allowed us to squeeze and it got us over the line.”

On Goodhew, he added: “I’ve played with Sam for a long time, he’s always had the ability to bowl a tight spell and take wickets.

“He's always had ability with the bat. He can dig in and counter-attack which are both attributes you can’t put a price on. He gives us solidity and assurance. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”

Elsewhere, Bere Regis Seconds beat Abbotsbury by 33 runs in County Division Three.