SHAFTESBURY Cricket Club’s first and second XIs jointly won July’s Dorset Funeral Plan team of the month award – after going undefeated.

And what made the achievement more remarkable was that the club has been unable to play on its beautiful home ground since June 23.

The heatwave led to cracks appearing in the outfield so home games have been played on the grounds of helpful other clubs.

During July the first team defeated Corfe Mullen, Sherborne II, Dorchester II and Dorset Tigers.

The second team beat Lytchett, Symene, Winton III and Wimborne and Colehill IV.

First-team skipper Matt Boatwright said: “It has been difficult not being able to play at home but other north Dorset clubs have been really helpful and let us play on their grounds.

“During July, Aled Williams and Kevin Monoghan made plenty of runs for the first team and Marc Lewis and Terrence Langhorne were lethal with the ball.

“And my brother Tom has been excellent behind the stumps and with the bat.

“This year, we decided to start a second XI and Chris Pym took that on and has done brilliantly in the first season.

“It is also a way of getting our colts some adult cricket.”

Peter Douch from sponsors The Dorset Funeral Plan said: “We decided that this award should go to the whole club because they won all eight games in July.

“The fact they have been unable to play at home is a real shame, but they haven’t let it upset their progress this year.

“It looks like both teams will be promoted which is a great achievement.”