Nigel Martyn helps Cornwall Over-50s beat Dorset by 26 runs

DORSET Over-50s diced with former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn in their 26-run defeat to Cornwall Over-50s in Redruth.

St Austell-born Martyn played 23 times for his country between 1992 and 2002 and is considered one of Crystal Palace and Leeds United's best-ever keepers.

Rather than his accustomed number one position between the sticks, he turned out at number five for Cornwall but stopped short of donning the wicketkeeper's pads for Dorset's innings.

READ MORE: Dorset beaten by Wiltshire in NCCA Trophy opener

Instead, it was Cornwall who batted first on a wet and windy afternoon after winning the toss.

Cornwall’s prolific opener Jim McKenna (69) was soon into his stride and despite the loss of opening partner Mike Blake (20) who was out hit wicket trying to hook paceman Robbie Ryan (1-41), Cornwall quickly made their way to 125-1.

The wily left-arm spin of Sean Walbridge (1-44) ended McKenna's stay but both Jared Connop (56) and Martyn (32) batted nicely to help take the Cornish score up to 234-6, the latter run out by Gary French.

In difficult playing conditions, all the Dorset bowlers found it tough going with Joe Wilson (3-59) taking three wickets.

By the time the Dorset openers went out to bat the wind had dropped and the outfield had dried up.

However, this did not deter Alex Allum (57) and Steve Gerety (28) as they got Dorset off to a flying start with 61 for the first wicket off ten overs.

With the fall of Gerety to Neil Pengelly (2-45), Jim Ryall continued to help Allum push things along and it was a big surprise when Pengelly had Ryall (33) caught at short mid-off with the score at 110.

The introduction of spinner David Neville, who conceded just 11 runs in his nine overs, slowed down the Dorset chase considerably, but incoming batsman David Proctor smashed seven fours and one huge six as his rapid 43 helped Dorset along to 173-2.

With eight wickets in hand Dorset were in the driving seat with 62 runs needed off eight overs.

However the light was fading fast and all the incoming batsman struggled to come to terms with batting at 8.45pm.

Cornwall sensed blood when Allum was bowled by David Lockett (1-57) with the score at 180 and Dorset’s reply fell away against some disciplined Cornwall bowling and fine catching.

When Walbridge (0) was last man out bowled by Paul Clements (3-44) the score was 208 and Dorset had lost by 26 runs.

Dorset now host the Isle of Wight on Wednesday, June 8 at Sherborne School.

DORSET OVER-50s 200-9 (4pts) beat WILTSHIRE OVER-50s 137 (0pts) by 63 runs

Dorset Over-50s beat Wiltshire in their first game of the season Picture: JOE WILSON

DORSET Over-50s got their ECB 50+ County Championship Group Three campaign off to a good start by beating Wiltshire by 63 runs at the Leaze.

Dorset side included two debutants in batter Martin Miller, from Bournemouth, and Dorchester all-rounder Mike Peak.

Hopes were high as Dorset lost the toss and were invited to bat first. Martinstown's Steve Gerety and Poole's Alex Allum both looked in good form but were out just as they were looking to get going, leaving the score at 42-2.

Ex-Border first class South African batter Mike Stonier, from Poole, joined Dorchester's Jim Ryall and the duo scored quickly, moving on to 62 before an unfortunate run out saw the in-form Ryall back in the pavilion.

Stonier put this run out behind him and with four boundaries and two sixes he helped Miller put on 59 for the next wicket before the latter was caught behind with the score on 121-4.

Stonier then suffered an unfortunate hamstring injury which hampered his movement and he was bowled for an excellent 51.

There followed a series of excellent mid-order partnerships, as all the Dorset batters including Compton House's Mike Harper (21), Peak (23) and David Trotter (14) contributed to leave Dorset on 200-9.

At the tea interval Wiltshire were confident of chasing this score down but an excellent opening spell of accurate bowling from Trotter and Winton's Rob Ryan quickly put the brakes on.

Looking for a quick single to the sprightly Gerety in the covers, Wiltshire’s opening bat Nick Jephson was run out by a yard to leave Wiltshire on 11-1.

The introduction of Bere Regis left-arm spinner Sean Walbridge brought instant success with the Wiltshire number three plumb in front for an easy lbw decision.

The Wiltshire number four bat Paul Vooght then played some attractive drives through the covers and the score began to move along quickly.

However, not as quickly as Gerety in the covers who brilliantly ran out Vooght with a direct hit to leave Wiltshire in trouble at 43-3.

With Walbridge returning superb figure of nine overs, four maidens 3-20 Wiltshire were struggling at 93-6 but still had some hope with opening batsman and captain David Ricketts still at the crease.

However, the introduction of Poole's Joe Wilson saw Ricketts clean bowled for a well made 49.

Wiltshire continued to struggle against the lack of pace bowling of Wilson (3-31) and Harper (2-14) and, despite a few lusty blows from ex-skipper Gaunt, Wiltshire were all out for 137.

A great team effort therefore meant that Dorset emerged worthy winners by 63 runs.