AN INSPIRING effort from Hazelbury Bryan and Plush Cricket Clubs saw the sides battle it out from ‘dawn ‘til dusk’, raising £750 to share between Weldmar and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Starting at 5.25am, Hazelbury Bryan won the toss and, under cloudy skies and plenty of dew on the picturesque Plush Cricket Club ground, they elected to bat first.

Their openers of G Fitzgerald (31) and Chris Haynes (20) shared a 55-run opening stand, but their partnership was broken just before breakfast.

After the break, wickets fell steadily then Jon Chambers snared two victims in two balls for Plush and found himself on an early morning hat-trick as Hazelbury Bryan were all out for 118 first time around.

Plush’s reply did not start well with the loss of their first wicket for just six runs. However, Stuart Dipple (41) and George Chubb (121) shared a fine 95-run stand.

Chubb batted superbly as the outfield dried out and began to show his class. He was well supported by Trevor Warren (24) and his older brother, Declan, who hit a fine 73. Plush captain, Graeme Stephens, then declared their innings with a lead of 202 after 65 overs.

Hazelbury Bryan’s second innings began with two wickets falling after 16 overs but Jamie Hart (40) and skipper Jim Bettle (43), batted very well in attempting to get ahead of Plush’s first innings total. They were supported by P Jones (29) and a hard-hitting knock of 45 by Jack Perrett.

The Plush bowlers continued to make it difficult for the visitors and Ray Stephens took 3-51 supported by great fielding from Andy Edmunds, who took two great catches. Hazelbury Bryan were all out after 50 overs second time around.

Despite racking up the overs, the sides still had another two hours to play and, as Plush’s second innings went beyond their counterpart’s total, they struck out to try and set the game up.

Owen Chubb smacked 33 including three sixes and Matt Chambers hit 22 in no time.

Plush were 65 runs ahead when stumps were finally called.

Organiser and Plush skipper Stephens, said: “I really enjoyed the day and thank you to all the players, helpers and sponsors.

“It was a fine day of great cricket with many laughs and a new but surreal experience to be playing cricket at 5.45am, then at 8.25am hear the umpire announce the last over before breakfast!

“I’m really chuffed to have raised such a large amount for the charities while playing the game I love.”