BROADSTONE II 254-9 (13pts) lost to CATTISTOCK & SYMENE II 258 (19pts) by four runs

CATTISTOCK & Symene Seconds edged edged a 500-run thriller at Delph Woods, beating Broadstone Seconds by a nerve-shredding four runs in County Division Three.

Performance of the season so far went to Toby Hall whose clean-hitting again impressed with a sparkling 122; the highlight being a six top-edged over the home wicket-keeper to bring up a memorable century.

Hall’s awe-inspiring innings came off 96 balls and featured 16 boundaries and four sixes.

READ MORE: Cattistock & Symene lose to Sherborne on opening day

In reply, helped by short boundaries and some lacklustre fielding, Broadstone got perilously close to overhauling the big total and with all fielders circling the boundary it fell to an ice-cool Charlie Ecclestone (3-54) to bowl a last-over maiden at the 10th wicket pair to see the visitors sneak home.

Captain Reuben Kingston said: “It was great to kick things off with a win, having lost several regulars to the ones and with five new recruits I couldn’t have asked for a better team effort.

“A massive mention must go to Toby though for an incredibly special innings and for Charlie to bowl like that at the death.

“We’re looking forward to pushing on and a big game back at home versus Martinstown.”

Cattistock & Symene came up short by 98 runs against Christchurch.

The home side rattled up a commanding 251 total with several partnerships throughout the order, Ben Rayner top-scoring with 62.

Bradley Mullins was the pick of the Foxes’ bowlers, returning 4-54, with Bradley Damen (2-34) providing support.

In reply, the visitors made the run-chase a daunting prospect when falling to 15-3 but with Mullins again to the fore scoring 33 runs, they edged the total to a respectable 153 to at least ensure that even in defeat seven bonus points were secured.

Captain Steve Tucker said: “We came up short against a very strong Christchurch side who played their pitch very well. Dropped catches hindered our chances.

“Brad Mullins was a stand-out performer with both bat and ball, having become a key part of our top order this season.”

Meanwhile, back at Symondsbury, it was a case of ‘what might have been’ as the third team got their season underway with an encouraging performance against Lytchett, despite losing by 67 runs.

Batting first on an excellent surface, Lytchett got off to a fast start but were then pinned back by a flurry of wickets in the midway phase.

Bradley Wilkinson bowled superbly conceding just six runs in his eight-over spell and he deserved more than his solitary wicket.

Dropped catches proved expensive and allowed Lytchett to get away, with a late burst of runs taking them to a commanding 197.

Leo Gurd’s young charges then batted with considerable application to make Lytchett work hard for their victory.

Opener Lloyd Cleal made a solid 36 and formed a 51-run fourth-wicket partnership with young Jack Bartlett, who top scored with an unbeaten 39, ensuring Lytchett had to wait until the 35th over to finally get home.

The Foxes’ firsts visit Poole on Saturday (1pm), while the second team hosts Martinstown Seconds. The thirds have a bye weekend.

Club sponsors: CG Fry