MARTINSTOWN struck an early blow in the Wessex Internet Dorset Premier Two title race with a statement six-wicket win at Chalke Valley. Chalke, who have rushed up the leagues in recent seasons, have made their home ground a fortress in doing so. However, Martinstown proved why they instead could lay claim to being the early title favourites with a third consecutive victory in highly impressive circumstances.
In a match that produced 483 runs, the highest of any match in the Dorset League, Chalke set an imposing 241 to win after another magnificent innings from captain Joe Weld. READ MORE : Martinstown beat Hamworthy Recreation by seven wickets His classy 119 from 136 balls underlined his status as one of the best players in the county and gave Chalke the foundation to build around him. Weld and opening partner Harry Thomas both breezed to half-centuries and rocketed their side to 142-0 before Thomas (51) offered a return catch to Town skipper Charlie Durant (1-32).
However, Weld continued the deluge of runs to bring up his first century this season and piloted Chalke above 200. When he departed, bowled by Finlay Williams (1-43) having struck 15 fours and a six, Chalke pushed on as Guy Souch accrued 37 from 41 balls and James Holland ended on 13 from 18. Martinstown were given an early blow in the chase when Rupert Thomas (2-60) struck twice to remove last week’s centurion Henry Lewis (4) and Sean Williams (1).
Town responded in perfect fashion, though, with a 134-run stand .