CATTISTOCK & SYMENE 162 (8pts) lost to SHERBORNE 233 (20pts) by 71 runs

CATTISTOCK & Symene began their Dorset Premier League campaign with a 71-run home loss to Sherborne.

Sherborne’s victory was built on an excellent batting display and, with fortune favouring sides that bat first at Cattistock, they capitalised on that trend.

George Wyrill (2-49) bowled Dan Baker for a 17-ball duck and Luke King ran out Ollie Senneck early on but the Foxes were then put under pressure by Sherborne’s middle order.

READ MORE: Cattistock & Symene captaincy an 'exciting challenge' for Steve Tucker

Marc Lock (25), Mike Kennedy (37) and skipper Emlyn Kuhn (39) all produced meaty contributions, supporting a quick-fire half-century for Marc Roca, who compiled 51 in 57 balls with six boundaries.

Former Foxes skipper Brad Damen (2-24) and Brad Mullins (2-34) bowled well but Sherborne managed 233 all out from 49 overs.

Cattistock & Symene were immediately put under pressure up top in their reply, Tim Durston taking 3-18 and Jake Elsworth chipping in with 2-16.

Ollie Nicholas (31) stood his ground alongside new captain Steve Tucker (23), but when the duo were dismissed the chase looked forlorn.

Solid late hatting from Wyrill (30 off 20 balls) and Ollie Legg (18 from 18) helped Cattistock earn extra batting points before Paul Hancock (3-27) helped bowl the hosts out for 162.

Tucker said: “Despite losing, there are plenty of positives to take from the game.

“We have a few new faces in the team this season and showed some great fight against an experienced Prem side in Sherborne.

“Taking ten wickets was particularly positive, as was our fielding level, great energy and taking chances when they came”

“As a batting unit, we need to look at building partnerships and value our wicket a little more.

“A few of us gave away our wickets far too easily, something we will be looking at ahead of next week.

“There was some great stroke play, and runs from the lower order helped us grab a couple of extra batting points which could turn out to be very valuable.”

Elsewhere, Cattistock & Symene Seconds were awarded 20 points in their County Division Three opener against Hamworthy Recreation Seconds, who scratched.

The Foxes’ third team gets their season under way on Saturday at home to Lytchett at Symene (1.30pm).

Cattistock & Symene visit Christchurch on Saturday (1pm).