SHERBORNE SECONDS 126 (17pts) beat BRIDPORT 85 (5pts) by 41 runs

BRIDPORT’S batting let them down yet again as they were bowled out for less than 100 for the second weekend in a row.

They did everything right in the field, dismissing their hosts for 126, to set up a great chance of clinching a second win of the season.

However, only Mark Smith (28), playing his last game for Bridport as captain, and Ollie Lee (27) troubled the Sherborne attack in a reply that totalled just 85.

“It was brilliant until the point where we picked the bat up,” said Smith. “I think it’s down to poor shot selection and a lack of practice.

“If our lads made more use of the facilities we have then I’m sure our batting would improve.

“There was some movement in the pitch and the ball kept a bit low, but that’s when you need to be patient as a batsman.

“There are encouraging signs with our bowling and fielding, but if we want to stay in this division then we need to bat better and concentrate more.”

Smith now hands over the captaincy to Duane Gay, though he will continue to play for the team and assist his successor as he settles into the role.

Sherborne won the toss in the County Division Three clash and opted to bat first.

Gay took a couple of wickets and the rest of the bowlers chipped in to restrict the home side to a modest-looking score – Sherborne had hit 259 in their previous outing a week earlier.

But that was as good as it got for Bridport.

Smith added: “I stayed at the crease for a good hour while others were coming and going.

“I scored 28 and Ollie made 27 and it was a shame that no-one else stayed with us.

“It wasn’t a great finish to my time as captain, but hope- fully Duane can keep the side up.

“We are away to Christchurch next and they have a nice flat wicket, so hopefully it will give us a chance to score some runs.”