CHARLTON DOWN 192-4 (19pts) bt BLANDFORD 112 (3pts) by 80 runs

CHARLTON Down moved out of the relegation zone in County Division Two with an important 80-run victory over a strong Blandford team.

The hosts’ batsmen found the Blandford bowling very accurate, especially that of Andy Lawrence who only conceded eight runs from his nine overs including six maidens.

Jack Eveleigh (43) and Roger Frapwell (11) batted doggedly for the home side to survive on a damp bowler friendly wicket at Herrison Oval.

After seeing off the opening bowlers, it was Frapwell who was bowled by Jamie Mitchell for 11 after an hour-long stint at the crease with the score on 41-1.

Eveleigh and Sam Roles added a quick 47 runs before captain Alex Sullivan struck twice within three runs, bowling Roles for a quickfire 30 and Eveleigh for 43 with the score on 101-3, with only 12 overs remaining.

Eveleigh’s innings gave free licence to Javed Gill (39) and Matt Stevens (34no) to attack in the remaining overs, adding 70 runs in just nine overs. Gill was very destructive, smashing six fours and a six, before playing on to his own wicket off the returning Ryan White.

Stevens’ elegant shot selection saw the Charlton innings to a close with Marc Spurway’s cameo innings of 11 not out.

Charlton’s innings concluded on an impressive 192-4 and an all-round good batting performance.

Blandford’s response got off to a poor start, with Stevens striking twice removing Tim Margetson for four with a simple catch by Frapwell, and Ryan White by wicketkeeper Sam Roles with the score on 18-2.

A change of bowling saw the impressive 16-year-old Lewis Harrington (2-16) striking twice to remove the dogged James Woodruff (12) and bowling Tom Walters.

James Pretty then had Gus Mitchell caught by the diving Pete Tucker for one and Blandford slumped to 51-5.

Rich Fagence took the prized scalp of the dangerous Sullivan, with Dan Stevens taking an excellent catch which was destined to clear the square leg boundary.

A further change of bowling saw Javed Gill (2-17) also striking twice, including a third catch for Sam Roles brilliantly caught diving low to his right.

It was left to Dan Stevens to return and bowl Blandford stalwart Dave Abbott and round off a very good display from Charlton Down and convincing eight-run victory.

Charlton Down go to Poole Park on Saturday to face Poole Seconds who have now slipped into the remaining relegation slot.

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