CATTISTOCK & SYMENE II 120 (17pts) beat ASHMORE 60 (5pts) by 60 runs

JOE Etherington took a stunning five-wicket haul as Cattistock & Symene Seconds rescued a 60-run victory over Ashmore.

The Foxes took top spot in Dorset ‘Thank You NHS’ League Division Four after Martinstown Seconds lost by 155 runs to Portland Red Triangle Seconds.

Cattistock & Symene now travel to Christchurch Seconds on Saturday to determine the Division Four champions.

Batting first, the Foxes got off to a bad start, losing Wes Lewis (9), followed by captain Sam Good (1).

Leo Gurd joined George Wyrill at the crease to try and rebuild and the duo were were going well and set until they were both removed for 15.

Harry Angel (0) and Reuben Kingston (1) were soon back in the pavilion which brought last week’s match winner Ethan Robertson together with youngster Kieran Williams, in his debut season for the club.

They did the basics well, defended their wicket and kept the scoreboard ticking, with Robertson hitting the bad ball to the boundary to boost the score.

Williams was first to go for a very patient 18 while cameos from Joe Etherington (8) and Robin Jones (6) helped the visitors above 100, before Robertson was last man out for an innings-saving 34. This left the Foxes with a defendable total of 120, providing they could bowl tightly.

Opening bowlers Joe Etherington and Ethan Robertson started well, with the former running through the top and middle order to claim an impressive 5-13 from eight overs, with three maidens.

Robertson (2-18) backed this up with vital wickets. Robin Jones (2-11) picked up a brace before the visitors suffered a setback, captain Sam Good injured his shoulder whilst diving to stop a ball and had to leave the field

With Good due to bowl the next over, George Wyrill stepped up, taking a smart return catch to claim the final wicket and victory.

Good said: “Some of us could’ve applied ourselves a bit better with the bat, only four lads got into double figures. Once again Ethan batted superbly, as did Kieran, they both played very maturely for two young lads.

“Joe’s opening spell was brilliant, once he was done everyone else did well to continue picking up wickets and take us to victory.”