MARTINSTOWN 153 (6pts) lost to SWANAGE 156-8 (18pts) by 2 wickets

MARTINSTOWN’S barren run this month continued last Saturday as they suffered a two-wicket defeat to Swanage at Lower Ashton Farm.

They now go to Stalbridge this weekend for their first match in August having lost all four fixtures during July.

The home clash with Dorchester in June gave Ed Nichols’ men their previous taste of success in the Dorset Premier League this season.

In winning last weekend, the Swans avenged an 86-run reverse against Martinstown at Days Park back in May.

Nichols elected to bat after the toss went his way and both he and Henry Lewis made a bright start, putting on 67 for the first wicket.

The hosts’ skipper struck five fours in his 27 before being caught and bowled by Ben Baczala (1-11).

Martinstown’s top order failed to find their form after that and Jeremy Warner (3-24) claimed the wickets of George Pope (4) and Lewis (15), while Steve Gerety, the man who scored 90 the previous week, could only muster four this time.

Dave Herbert and Ross Stewart reached double figures with contributions of 16 and 20 respectively but the home side couldn’t put together any meaningful partnerships down the order.

Ian Booth’s 4-30 meant Martinstown struggled to post a competitive total, though last man Chris Read’s 10 helped take the score beyond 150.

His was the final wicket to fall in the 42nd over with the hosts on 153 – Martinstown were also grateful to their opponents for bowling 43 wides during the innings.

In reply, Swanage too made a useful start thanks to Francis Kerins (32) and Warner (21).

But the Swans lost four wickets by the time their total reached three figures, with James Pickering (2-24) accounting for both openers and Sam Kershaw (2-31) claiming the wickets of Booth (12) and Dan Salmon (2).

A fifth-wicket stand of 45 between Mike Salmon (32) and Baczala (23) gave the Swans a much-needed boost.

However, both fell within five runs of each other to Teddy Andrews (1-19) and Ryan Chase (2-34) respectively, leaving Swanage requiring 21 to win with four wickets in hand.

Read trapped Mike Hernandez leg before with 19 needed and although Chase dismissed Beard, Pete Richards (15 not out) guided the visitors over the line.

Martinstown will be hoping August brings them better luck as they try to stay above rivals Dorchester in the league table.

In County Division Five, Martinstown Seconds were thrashed by nine wickets at Chalke Valley to remain sixth in the standings.