SHERBORNE 312-9d (14pts) drew with BERE REGIS 213-8 (10pts)

BERE Regis conceded top spot to Dorchester after a frustrating losing draw with Sherborne as the 100-over segment of the Wessex Internet Dorset Premier League season began.

Sherborne won the toss and chose to bat, with teams batting first able to occupy 55 overs or declare to force a result.

The hosts ventured above the 300 mark in an entertaining innings as Bere’s seam bowlers unusually showed a lack of potency with the ball.

Openers Rob Murphy and Tom Munnings were expensive, both returning 0-55, meaning the burden fell on Bere’s spinners.

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Ever-reliable Sean Walbridge (2-52) got the breakthrough in the 12th over when Sherborne cruised to 77-0, bowling skipper Ryan Monk (26).

Sam Goodhew (2-58) followed up with the wicket of Joe Arkwright (4) and not long afterwards Walbridge ended a quick 70-ball knock from Marc Roca (73).

However, Sherborne then pressed hard on the accelerator as Kallin Davies crashed a wonderful 108 not out from 113 balls.

His innings contained 17 boundaries and the number four received strong support from Freddie Harden (55) and Mike Kennedy (24).

Bere deserved credit for plugging away as Dean Rogerson (3-36) and Harry Green (2-47) combined to run through the lower order.

It meant that Sherborne, shortly after seeing Davies reach three figures, declared after 50.3 overs with only one wicket in the bank.

Bere knew they needed a run rate in excess of six-an-over and they did keep up with the required pace, despite the early loss of Hayden White (7) who was promoted to open.

Cam Robertson (55) and Munnings (42) both applied themselves well but their departures, both bowled, left work to do for the middle order.

With Bere hovering around five runs an over, the visitors looked increasingly unlikely to reach the total although Goodhew (32) and Murphy (42) batted well.

However, Sherborne sniffed the victory when Paul Hancock (3-46) and Tim Durston (4-45) steadily worked their way through Bere’s order.

It was left to Tim Goodhew (8no) and skipper Brian Keegan (8no) to soak up 42 balls between them as Sherborne were denied victory needing only two more scalps.

The draw saw Sherborne claim 14 of a possible 22 points, while Bere collected 10 after finishing 100 runs short of the target.

Speaking to Echosport, Keegan said: “We stuck to it and made sure that we weren’t going to get bowled out and give them the win.

“That’s partly because they declared and put us under more pressure.”

On the new 100-over format, Keegan added: “I would say that you get nothing for the draw and put the emphasis on the win.

“That would encourage attacking cricket. They had attacking fields at the end but the ball was soft and we played out the last six or seven overs.

“It’s a different format and you’re always going to have to tinker with it.

“Maybe have lunch and tea, split it up so it’s not so attritional. That’s just my initial thoughts.”

Bere’s second team lost by seven wickets to Broadstone Thirds in County Division Two.

Bere main sponsor: Booth Gadenne.

First XI match ball sponsor: GMS Plumbing and Heating.

Second XI match ball sponsor: Dorset Reclamation.