DORCHESTER 241-5 (20pts) beat PARLEY 131 (4pts) by 57 runs (revised target 188)

A MAMMOTH partnership between opening batsman Will Caldwell and Dorchester skipper Simon Mitchem helped the county town side cruise to a league double over Parley.

After losing Pete Moxom early on at Dean Park, skipper Mitchem joined opener Caldwell at the crease and they set about their work.

Having come together with the score on 18-1 the duo put on a second- wicket stand of 177 to put the visitors in a match-winning position, on what was a tricky, slow surface.

Speaking about the conditions, Mitchem told Echosport: “It was really hot so obviously it was tempting to bat first if I had won the toss, but I probably would have bowled, if I’m honest

“It was a very soft, damp pitch.

“It wasn’t a wicket where you could just go in and strike it because it was so slow.”

After punishing anything loose from the home side’s bowling attack, the huge partnership was eventually broken when skipper Mitchem was caught off the bowling of Roshan Embalagama for 85 with the score on 195.

Caldwell top scored for Dorchester with 93 at the top of the order before he was trapped leg before by Parley’s George Wilson.

Reflecting on the duo’s knocks, Mitchem added: “We both batted really sensibly to be fair.

“We played straight, hit the bad ball to the boundary and ran well between the wickets which obviously creates a lot of pressure.

“It was nice to set a platform for our bowlers. Runs on the board is always good, it gives you confidence to give it a real go.”

And having posted a score of 241, rain meant the Parley chase was reduced to 188 from 39 overs.

But the home side never really got close to their victory target and it was only really opener Max Trueman (22) and Alex Sands (45no) who offered any resistance as the Mitchem’s men bowled their counterparts out with a handful of deliveries to spare.

Dorchester’s Dan Belt and James Dunham claimed three wickets each and there was also two for Caldwell and George Foot.

Mitchem added: “Our seamers bowled really well.

“It was good conditions for it and we put the ball in the right areas.

“It was a very good all-round team performance, I am pleased with everyone.”

After recording back-to-back wins, Dorchester’s final league outing of the campaign comes at home against Martinstown at the Rec on Saturday.