PARLEY SECONDS 77-0 (20pts) beat Bridport 74 (0pts) by 10wkts

BRIDPORT look destined to be involved in another relegation dogfight this season in Dorset League Division Three.

Mark Smith’s men have failed to find any consistency so far this summer and in their latest defeat at Parley Seconds they capitulated in alarming fashion in a miserable 10-wicket defeat.

The previous night’s rain made for slightly damp conditions and Bridport, who were without the likes of Ed Halson, Dom Gape and Mark Tozer, certainly got the raw end of the deal.

Taking to the crease first, the visitors were immediately put under pressure from opening bowler Jamie Hicks (4-23), who rattled through the top-order with consummate ease.

Liam Toohill (6), Nigel Toohill (1), Marcel Grunschloss (5) and Sam Good (3) all fell cheaply before Smith (2) followed suit to a leg before decision off a delivery from Thomas Andrews (1-25).

Luke King (24) and Wes Lewis (8 not out) then dug in but when the former was caught in the field it provided the catalyst for another clatter of wickets with a trio of batsmen falling for ducks to the impressive Sam Thomson (4-2), who blazed through the tailenders.

Bridport’s innings lasted just 20 overs and had it not been for 16 extras they would have fallen well below their eventual total of 74.

Early wickets were essential if the away side were to have any chance of defending that miserly score but they did not materialise as first-team regular Matthew Stickland (51 not out) and Gavin Oldbury (19 not out) knocked off the runs in just 12.2 overs.

The defeat leaves Bridport marooned at the foot of the table where they sit 2.39 adrift of safety in the league’s averages.

However, they could make a huge indent into that deficit by winning at third-bottom Compton House this Saturday, which is now a must-win game.