MARTINSTOWN 206-8 (20pts) beat Bridport 103 (5pts) by 103 runs

NOT even an Ashley Nicholls fifer could spur Bridport to victory against nearby Martinstown.

The Bridport bowler snared 5-50 at Ashton Field but it was Tom Adams who stole the show for the hosts with a swashbuckling 96, off 104 balls.

That near ton helped second-placed Martinstown close on 206-8 in this Dorset League Division Three encounter – a total that proved way out of reach for Mark Smith’s troops, who managed just 103 in reply.

Dom Gape (37), who also performed admirably with the ball (2-24), top-scored for the visitors as Danny Dancer (4-25) and Liam Banfield (4-26) helped themselves to four wickets apiece.

Reflecting on his side’s fourth defeat of the season, Bridport skipper Smith said: “I won the toss and decided to bowl first. And it looked like a great decision after Ash and Dom ripped into the top order.

“After having them at 37-4, I was confident of chasing a lowish total. But Adams (96) and Sam Kershaw (40) put paid to that.

“On a short boundary, and with a few chances just not going to hand, their total soon got away from us.

“Until I could get Ash and Dom back on, the game got away from us.

“Chasing 206 got into our heads and the collapse happened again.

“Only Dom (37) and Wes Lewis (19 not out) looked like hitting a few after some quick, accurate bowling from Martinstown.

“Other than a 46 partnership from Dom and myself, to take us from 3-2 to 49-3, no one looked confident enough to take us near their total.

“On the day Martinstown were just too strong and are worthy of their top-two position.

“For the second week running, Dom shone for us with both bat and ball, backed up by some excellent bowling from Ash with his five-wicket haul.

“Missing Sam Good, Mark Tozer and Duane Gay didn’t help but all of our players are available this weekend so a quick response against Cerne Valley is essential.”