SHILLINGSTONE 168-5 (20pts) beat Bridport 167 (6pts) by five wickets

NICK Marshall produced a superb display with both bat and ball as Shillingstone inflicted a second successive defeat on to Bridport in Dorset League Division Three.

The talented all-rounder picked up 4-30 before knocking a classy half century as the hosts triumphed by five wickets.

Losing skipper Mark Smith, whose side were bowled out for a disappointing tally of 167, said: “We fired at the top of the order, particularly Liam Too-hill who put together a very good innings, but from 112-2 to 167 all out it went pear-shaped.

“It was more down to poor application than the wicket, which was a good batting track, although we did experience a bit of bad luck as well.

“Dom Gape was convinced he had not edged it for his dismissal but instead the bat had hit the ground but that is the way things go sometimes. “Ashley Nicholls contributed towards the end of the innings but we finished at least 50 runs short and it was never going to be enough.

“Their opening partnership absolutely ripped into us from that outset of their reply with Marshall racing to 50.

“By the 20th over they had already reached 118 so it was all about trying to slow them down and that is why Sam Good and I came on and bowled our 12 overs straight through.

“We did our best and managed to pick up all five wickets between us but it was not enough.

“Overall, it was a disappointing afternoon because we know we possess the ability with the bat to do so much better.

“Whether we got over confident from the good start we got off to I don’t know but it is important we now pick ourselves up and bounce back at Blandford Seconds this weekend.”

Bridport got off to a good start in their innings with Toohill (78) leading the way with some wonderful strokes to all parts of the ground.

Smith (12) and Good (28) provided good support but when the latter was quickly followed back to the pavilion by Gape (2) and Luke King (0), the momentum had swung completely the other way.

Ashley Nicholls (20) then dug in for a while but Shillingstone continued to turn up the pressure before disposing of the tailenders with consummate ease with Martin Upshall (3-26) and Marshall providing the majority of the wickets.

In reply, Smith (3-50) and Good (2-46) did their best to halt the run chase but solid knocks from the likes of Marshall (52), Matt Salisbury (27) and Ian Paulley (22) ensured the hosts reached their target with 10 overs to spare.