Cattistock & Symene lose to Wimborne by eight wickets

CATTISTOCK & Symene came up against a Wimborne juggernaut as the Foxes fell to an eight-wicket defeat at The Leaze.

Steve Tucker’s men were playing their first game of the Wessex Internet Dorset Premier League season.

And their captain was particularly unlucky to end up on the losing side.

Coming in at 32-3, he constructed a beautifully-timed innings, accelerating to score 106 from 104 balls with 14 fours and two sixes.

Along with Jason Bradley (33) and Brad Mullins (29), Cattistock & Symene posted 226-7 from 50 overs.

READ MORE: Two heavy defeats for Foxes on opening day

However, the Foxes quickly found the going tough as Wimborne built a classy chase.

Openers Colin Randall (47) and Ben Bridgen saw off the visiting seam attack in a century stand before off-spinner Ollie Legg (2-40) had Randall caught.

Legg also drew a catch off Joe Kelly (25) but there was nothing to stop Bridgen as he played on to record 104 not out from 125 balls.

Ranuk Jayasuriya, son of legendary Sri Lanka batter Sanath, contributed 27 from 24 balls as Wimborne won with 7.4 overs to spare.

Speaking to the Bridport News, Tucker said: “There was only one option to take at the toss and that was to have a bat.

“Last year, we struggled to build big scores and get batting points.

“When we were 32-3, we showed real patience and determination to re-build, Jason battled well and that allowed me to gradually open up and play some shots at the other end.

“We were probably 30 runs short of where we needed to be against a very strong Wimborne team. I think they'll be challenging at the top of this league again this year."

"The scoreboard doesn't give a fair reflection of our effort with the ball. Brad Mullins pulled up mid-way through his spell which put pressure on the others. The wicket gave little for our spinners to work with.”

On his ton, Tucker added: “It felt good getting the century, it's my first in the Prem.

“Coming to the crease, I felt I had to get the balance right between patience and putting the bad ball away. I just tried to play my natural game and it came off nicely.”

Cattistock & Symene host Broadstone on Saturday (1pm).

Tucker said: “Broadstone have started the season very strongly.

“We have had some good games in the past couple seasons and beat them last time out.

“It will be a good test for the boys, we have to be confident and get into the habit of winning at home.”

CATTISTOCK & SYMENE III 202-4 (19pts) beat STALBRIDGE DEVELOPMENT 199-8 (7pts) by six wickets

A TRADEMARK undefeated 92 from the new-look Sam Challis saw Cattistock & Symene Thirds to a six-wicket win over Stalbridge Development.

Eyeing the short leg-side boundary, Challis cleared the rope with five maximums and gained superb support from George Crabb who made a priceless and speedy 35 as the pair put on 89 for the fourth wicket.

When Crabb was dismissed with the score on 113, 86 more runs were still needed but Challis found further support from wicketkeeper Ben Elliot (27no) to see the hosts home in the 31st over, having been 24-3.

Earlier, the Foxes bowled and fielded with enthusiasm and skill, undaunted as Stalbridge got away to a great start to muster 146-2 thanks to Julius Guthrie (46) and Matt Coleman (45).

Sam Hart (4-22) stepped up to rip out the visitors’ middle order and change the course of the innings as Stalbridge posted only 199-8.

Reflecting afterwards on his first win as captain, Ollie James said: “Although Sam played the eye-catching knock, I was delighted with the way the entire team played, especially in the first innings.

“Their heads never dropped and they proved the game is never over until the last run is scored or the last wicket is taken. The catching and fielding from both sides was excellent.”

Cattistock & Symene Thirds host Puddletown Seconds at Symondsbury on Saturday, while the second team visit Poole Thirds after their cancellation against Broadstone Seconds.