POOLE TOWN II 64 (5pts) lost to PUDDLETOWN 107 (16pts) by 43 runs

PUDDLETOWN took a giant step towards securing their safety in County Division One for 2024, beating Poole Town Seconds by 43 runs in a low-scoring thriller at Poole Park.

Puddletown are seventh and 17 points above the drop zone going into their final game with Portland at Plush tomorrow.

The Kingfishers need just four points against Portland to escape the drop, regardless of relegation-threatened Hamworthy and Beaminster’s results.

Puddletown were in a perilous position after being dismissed for 107 in their innings, Jordan Down taking 3-26.

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Only Guy Chalstrey (24), Adam Weir (17) and Pete Phillips (16) reached double figures, with a generous 24 extras in the 26.2 overs helping Puddle earn one batting point.

If Poole thought it was ‘job done’, they would have been sorely mistaken as Puddletown rapidly reduced them to 25-7.

Ryan Norman’s electric spell of 4-11 from nine overs came in tandem with Weir’s 3-27 as Puddletown opened the door to a remarkable win.

Jack Wills hit a defiant 14 from 31 balls but could only delay the inevitable as James Morris (2-14) and Adam Barrett (1-8) helped skittle Poole for a paltry 64.

Speaking to Echosport, skipper Norman said: “It’s four points to guarantee it, if I’m honest I think there’s enough there now.

“There’s three clubs below us who have almost got to take 20 points to change that. We’ve put ourselves in a good position and against one of the top sides.”

Puddletown Seconds beat Portland Red Triangle Seconds by 46 runs in County Division Five.