Cricket: Broadstone increase pressure on Wayfarers

Wayfarers won the toss and elected to bat in the Premier One clash, with the top order patient rather than urgent in their approach.

Opener Ben Peake lasted 72 balls for his 16 and Jordan Warren (38) and Andrew Armstrong (32) chipped in useful runs.

Mike Bowering hit 16* as Wayfarers finished on 171 for eight. Mike Holm took three for 26 and Simon Watkins two for 29.

In reply, Broadstone set about their task with relish and Pete Russell’s 79* was the cornerstone of their success.

Russell was well-supported by Luke Carter (24) and Sean Hatton (34), before Watkins (14*) helped him secure victory.

Last-gasp Swanage, meanwhile, grabbed a one-wicket victory at home to Stalbridge in a Premier One thriller on Saturday.

The hosts surpassed their opponents’ 169 total in the penultimate over after a nerve- jangling battle.

Having won the toss, Stalbridge chose to bat and were under pressure early on.

Robbie Burfitt (25) and visiting skipper Chris Hedges (21) were the only major contributors as Stalbridge slumped from 62 for four to 128 for nine.

However, Andy Dike (30) and Steve Foreshaw (23*) put on 41 for the last wicket as the away side reached 169 all out. Rob Hatchard picked up three for 31.

In reply, Swanage lost openers Ian Booth (34) and Francis Kerins (16) early on and a collapse in the middle overs had them in trouble at 72 for seven. However, youngster Dan Salmon combined with Hatchard to get the hosts to 107.

After Salmon (24) was caught by Burfitt , Ryan Norman came to the crease and smashed 29 to take Swanage to within four runs of victory.

In the penultimate over, Jem Warner steered the ball into the vacant third man area and he and Hatchard (33*) racked up the three runs that won the game.

Elsewhere, Poole Town maintained their grip on top spot courtesy of a 157-run win over second-placed Weymouth.

Poole made 251 for nine off their allotted overs, before dismissing their visitors for a paltry 94.