SHERBORNE 126 (2pts) lost to DORCHESTER 129-2 (20pts) by eight wickets

DORCHESTER remain unbeaten in the Wessex Internet Dorset Premier League after a comprehensive eight-wicket victory at Sherborne.

Had it not been for a 10-point deduction after fielding two unregistered players, imposed after a technical issue, Gautham Rajendar’s troops would be a whisker behind early leaders Bere Regis.

Instead, they find themselves in third place behind second-placed Poole on the new average points system.

Sherborne were in some ways the architects of their own downfall at The Terrace, winning the toss and electing to bat first.

READ MORE: Dorchester beat Poole Town by 13 runs

With Dan Belt’s precise opening spell proving impossible for the Sherborne batters to get away, pressure built at the other end.

Dan Hill (2-34) and Harry Jones (4-10) combined to dismantle Sherborne’s top order, leaving the hosts reeling at 38-5.

Rob Nobbs (1-26) and Jenson Stewart (0-8) continued to stifle Sherborne, although Tim Durston (32) and Roger Parfitt (21) did battle the north Dorset side into three figures.

However, Simon Mitchem (3-31) and Belt, who incredibly conceded only eight runs from 10 overs, joined forces to account for the lower order before Jones returned to finish Sherborne off.

Setting only 127 to win, Sherborne were always up against it and Dorchester made light work of the target.

Openers Jim Ryall and Jamie Barrett saw off the new pink ball and calmly constructed a magnificent century stand.

Ryall reached his half-century and went on to finish unbeaten on 60 from 101 balls, including six fours.

Barrett fell on 38 with the score on 106 and although Durston (1-22) nabbed Jack Owens (2) the writing was on the wall as Mitchem (12no) helped Ryall in cruising to the winning line.

Speaking post-match, Rajendar insisted there was “room for improvement” despite a vastly superior display from his side.

He told Echosport: “A tidy performance from the lads, a warm day and we needed to perform up to our standards to ensure 20 points. I think we managed to do that.

“We have started strongly, but there is definitely room for improvement. We’re not satisfied yet and looking forward to the next game.”

Bere Regis, who have also taken two wins from their opening two games, visit the Rec on Saturday (12.30pm).

Meanwhile, Dorchester Seconds remain unbeaten after defeating fellow promoted side Royal Challengers Sports by 29 runs in County Division Two.

Dorchester Thirds are top of Division Six East after Sturminster & Hinton Seconds scratched their match, while Dorchester Fourths lost to Chalke Valley Lions by 121 runs in Division Six East.