DORCHESTER 165 (18pts) beat PARLEY 123 (6pts) by 42 runs

SKIPPER Simon Mitchem was pleased to avoid a potential banana skin and overcome struggling Parley in the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier Division.

The county town side were made to work for their victory however, in a game where low scoring dictated the outcome of the contest. No batsman from either side managed to reach 40 but the visitors gained enough contributions throughout their order to post a competitive 165, as they were bowled out in 42.4 overs batting first.

Captain Mitchem told Echosport: “It wasn’t a very good wicket. It was very up and down and popping a bit.

“It wasn’t very easy to make runs on and we came off saying 180 would be a good score. We weren’t too far off with 165.

“Our bowlers got us out of trouble.”

Parley were dismissed for just 123 in reply having lost wickets at regular intervals.

Dorchester’s James Dunhham claimed 2-27 from 10 overs and Jack Walklett returned 2-23. There were three wickets for teenage off-spinner Will Morgan on his first-team debut and Mitchem was happy to see him showcasing his skills.

He added: “Young Will Morgan bowled well. He put it in some good areas so it was pleasing for him to get some wickets.”

He added: “Parley could have quite easily won. In the end we won by 42 runs but it wasn’t as comfortable as it looks.”