Sport

Sport Top-flight status Cattistock’s reward

By Stuart Wickham

stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk The chairman of Cattistock and Symene Cricket Club has spoken of his pride as the club’s first team avoided relegation from Dorset Cricket League’s Premier Division by just a single point. Nick Skyrme has said the effort is testament to the teams’ competitiveness and resilience throughout the season, where they have ‘kept going’ despite starting with a run of 10 defeats. Nick said: “We lost the first 10 matches, and had some horrible defeats in there, but the team kept going and always fought hard in those matches. Even against the top teams, we have competed really well – we ran Poole and Dorchester close, Wimborne too. Even in defeat, we were able to pick up six, seven, eight bonus points. We started winning some games in the second half of the season but ultimately, it was those bonus points that saved us, and they came from competing hard in every game.” The First XI survived the drop in dramatic fashion, earning eight bonus points in their final day defeat to Wimborne and Colehill to edge Puddletown, and maintain their place in the league’s top division. The game itself was a microcosm of the team’s season, as they battled back from 38-3 to score 207, falling short of Wimborne’s total by 29 runs, and earning the crucial batting bonus points to guarantee their safety. Cattistock and Symene merged in 2019 to create a unified club with a thriving youth section, a key requirement of entry into Dorset’s top flight. The merger gave the unified club a rich seam of young talent, many of whom now play for the First XI, and Nick is optimistic about prospects for 2023. Nick said: “The younger players in the team know the level now, and will benefit by being a year older and having the experience from this season. Steven Tucker has captained the Firsts brilliantly, and I am so proud of what they have achieved as a group. We are upbeat about what they might be able to achieve next year.” There are positives to take from the performance of the club’s other teams. Nick said: “The Second team, under the leadership of Reuben Kingston, had a really strong start in Division III but fell away a little second half, but at full strength could really beat anyone in the division on their day. I am confident they will be one of the top teams in 2023. “Our Third team, captained superbly by Leo Gurd, is a real mixture, featuring younger teens and experienced players in their fifties, even sixties. This is where many of our younger players get their first taste of league cricket and, although he’s playing well below his own level, Leo has been a real inspiration to the youngsters. They have also competed really well, finishing third in Division VI and it’s great for the young players coming through to be surrounded by so much experience. “We are looking forward to recognising many of our players at our presentation evening in October and excited about what next year holds. We are always open to more people coming to join us, whether it’s on the playing front or to support us off the pitch. We rely so much on the great work of our committee, volunteers and sponsors and are always grateful for people who want to give their time.”

STAYING UP: Cattistock and Symene are retaining their Premier Division place.

PIC BY LUKE SIBLEY

By Stuart Wickham

stuart@westdorsetmag.co.uk Beaminster first team captain Jim Park has spoken of the ‘team spirit and togetherness’ which helped the team lift the Division II title following an entertaining season at the Memorial Ground. Following their nail-biting final day victory against Shaftesbury, Beaminster Cricket Club were crowned champions of Division II of the Dorset Cricket League. Finishing with an impressive 14 wins out of 18, their points tally of 338 points edged out their season-long rivals Chalke Valley, although the pair will resume battle in Division I next year as Valley will be promoted as runners-up. It has been an exciting, swashbuckling season for Beaminster’s First team, which was typified by the win against Shaftesbury, with over 530 runs scored on the day and the win coming with just a handful of balls remaining. Skipper Jim said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that we won the league as you can imagine. At the start of the season, I didn’t have any expectations about league positioning, I just wanted to create a culture of fun and enjoyment. “We had a lot of fun the season before even though we had been beaten almost every week. “So with a couple of new players, our youngsters a year older and stronger, a few new ideas and a positive outlook, the stars seemed to align. “None of us would say we have the best players, but we were the best team. Our team spirit and togetherness were vital in our campaign this year. Everyone had each other’s backs, we’re all mates off the pitch and it showed on the pitch too. “We know it will be much harder next year, we’re under no illusion there. With the side we have now, I feel that we’ll hold our own and will consolidate. But we’re looking to build a side that will one day compete in the Premier Division, so we’ll be looking to add to our squad squad but making sure we get the right people in.”

GOING UP: Beaminster celebrate promotion to Division I after clinching the Division II crown Champagne cheers all round as Beaminster clinch the title

Route of 2023 cycle race yet to be determined

Organisers of the 2022 Tour of Britain have advised that it is too soon to say whether the race will come to West Dorset in 2023, after the Dorset stage was cancelled following the passing of Her Majesty the Queen. The race was cut short as a mark of respect, and owing to operational circumstances including the reassignment of police resource. With both stages seven, in Dorset, and eight, on the Isle of Wight, being cancelled, the winner of the Tour was announced as Gonzalo Serrano of the Movistar Team, who was leading the field after stage six. Additionally, the respective classification leaders -Tom Pidcock (Points), Mathijs Paasschens (King of the Mountains) and Matthew Teggart (Sprints) – were declared the winners of those competitions. Local cycling fans will hope that the organisers will incorporate a Dorset stage when the 2023 schedule is announced in due course. Businesses in our region will share this hope too, particularly those in the tourism and hospitality sectors who could see an influx of visitors for the event itself, and benefit from the stunning West Dorset scenery being showcased to a global TV audience.

It’s end-to-end stuff as bowls club

By PAUL MOFFITT

Lyme Regis Bowls Club held its annual finals weekend recently with members competing to win fifteen trophies across two days of fierce competition. Paul and Judith Moffitt were victorious in the Married Couples, coming from behind to win a ding-dong battle against Simon and Helen Dowling, with the teams having to play an extra end having been tied after 21. Simon puts his first wood on the jack. Judith puts her first two just behind. Simon, unluckily, made slight contact with his shot wood, nudging the jack back to Judith's woods. Paul's first wood then came in for the shot, and Helen was unable to dislodge it. In the Ladies Invitation, Barry Rattenbury and Nicky Driscoll defeated Joe Morris and Ann Allman 21-13. The lead battle between Ann and Nicky was particularly impressive, with neither lady giving ground, although Barry’s form carried the team through, with his expert drive on the 13th end dislodging three shots Unfortunately for Joe, he was unable to match Barry’s strong form. The 13th end could have been a turning point when Joe and Ann were holding a very good three shots, however an expert drive from Barry killed the end and they then took charge of the game.

Men’s 2 Wood Singles. Rom Hunt 6; Paul Pomeroy 17 2 wood specialist Paul Pomeroy eased to victory, as Rom tried valiantly to remain in touch, without finding the consistency of his opponent. Paul was always ahead and had reached an unassailable lead after 16 ends.

Men’s 4 Wood Championship. Paul Pomeroy 21; Steve Pomeroy 13 In a match-up between father and son, Paul continued his earlier form from the 2 wood match, and never really looked in trouble, although Steve did close the gap to within two shots after both the 9th & 12th ends. Thereafter, Paul cruised to a comfortable win to add to his many former titles, and will go on to represent the club in the champion of champions competition next year.

The Rocky Alan Weech 10; Barry Rattenbury 21. The match was tight up until the tenth end with just a single shot in it, however Barry found another gear to ease to victory in this one.

Ladies 2 Wood. Helen Dowling 16; Ann Allman 5. On paper, this looked a very tasty match up between two of the most consistent bowlers at the club, however Ann never really got into her stride and Helen seldom looked in trouble, seemingly determined to land the title following her disappointment earlier in the day.

Henry Broom Trophy. Keith Barnes 9; Paul Stoke-Faires 21. In a trophy reserved for members who have never won a singles competition, new member Keith took an early lead against Paul, who only started playing bowls this year. Paul started off consistently but found himself trailing 6-1 with Keith pinching ends with his final bowl. Eventually Paul’s consistency helped to turn the tide and he came back to win comfortably. Many at the club suspect that Paul will be a regular winner of silverware at the club in future years.

2 Wood Mixed Drawn Pairs Avril Sherring & Alan Nabarro 19; Erica Sarson & Steve Pomeroy 17 This game provided some excellent bowling both from the leads and the skips. Early on, Alan looked particularly good, picking up highlycontested shots from the greatly experienced, Steve. After nine ends, it was all level at 9-9. Erica and Steve then raced into a 17-9 lead and looked to have the game sewn up, before losing their rhythm and being pegged back to 17-17. Now with the

hosts its annual finals over two days

TROPHY TIME: Some of the winners with their trophies at Lyme Regis Bowls Club

momentum, Avril and Alan went on to win a thrilling encounter 19-17.

Men’s 4 Wood Handicap. Rom Hunt 18; Barry Rattenbury 21. Barry was seemingly cruising to a comfortable win, leading 16-6 lead after 10 ends, when a change of jack length couple with a rejuvinated Rom, closed the scoreline to 18-20. Barry searched in vain for the final point for four ends and was looking increasingly frustrated, before eventually finding the elusive last shot to end a highlyentertaining match.

The Fillies Ann Allman 21; Nicky Driscoll 11 Looking to put her defeat the previous day behind her, Ann found herself up against a very determined opponent in Nicky. The pair were neck and neck for 15 ends until Nicky's form suddenly deserted her, and Ann was able to capitalise to score a comfortable win.

Ladies 4 Wood Championship Helen Dowling 14; Pam Weech 24 Here was a match between two ladies who have never won this title. Helen was unable to bowl to her potential in this game, whereas Pam looked at her absolute best. Pam took the first four ends before Helen picked up a two. Helen never looked comfortable barring a 3-shot pick up on end 18 to close the gap to four shots, Pam then upped the pace denying Helen any further points.

Men’s 4 Wood Drawn Pairs Simon Dowling & Steve Pomeroy 22; Barry Driscoll & Joe Morris 6 Simon and Steve looked firm favourites on paper and so it proved to be. One had to feel sorry for Barry who played very well throughout, Unfortunately, Joe was no match for Steve and they ran out very comfortable winners after a tiring Joe conceded the game. One noticeable thing in this game was Simon utilising the mat well up ploy that was his undoing earlier.

Men’s 4 Wood 5 Set Singles This match between Rom Hunt & Steve Pomeroy also looked like a tasty encounter. Steve took the first set comfortably 7-1 but lost the second set 7-6 after a 12-end marathon. Steve added the third set easily at 7-2, and closed out victory in the fourth 7-3 to win by three sets to one. Ladies 4 Wood Pairs Jasmine Bishop and Sue Rowe 22; Mary Haseman and Pauline Knight 20 The last, and arguably the best, game of the weekend saw Jasmine and Sue take an early lead thanks to some sublime leading from Jasmine. Ten ends in, Mary and Pauline drew the scores level before a surge from Jasmine and Sue opened up a five-shot margin. Pauline was enduring some bad luck, twice knocking up the opposition for shots despite playing exceptionally well. Another fightback from Mary, who was now bowling well, levelled the scores at 20 apiece with one end to play. Jasmine and Sue held their nerve to pick up the win with two shots. Jasmine was the stand-out bowler in this match and thoroughly deserved her win. The Ladies 4 Wood Handicap between Helen Dowling and Jan Parsons will be played at the beginning of next season as Jan was not able to play. The club members would like to wish Brian Parsons a speedy recovery. Finally, perhaps the most coveted trophy of all, the Captain’s Plate, was awarded to Rom Hunt. This plate is given to the member the captain feels has gone above and beyond in their duties for the club. This year’s winner, Rom Hunt, has run all this year’s competitions with military efficiency, always arrives early to set up the rinks, marshals the car park and helped with the maintenance during the winter. This award was richly deserved.

n Sherborne pictured at the start of the 2022-23 campaign. Following a thrilling 43-41 triumph against Teignmouth, the First team suffered back-to-back defeats against St Austell and Sidmouth. They hope to return to winning ways as they host Truro at The Terraces on Saturday, September 24 Picture: GILL CLARK

Plucky Bees still search for first win

Bridport Town 0 Dartmouth 2

Bridport were left to rue missed chances in an even first half at St Mary’s Field, before Dartmouth assumed control after the break and ran out winners courtesy of two secondhalf goals. Despite the loss, caretaker manager Chris Herbst will be happy at his team’s performance, and may have had greater cause for celebration had the Bees converted one of a number of early chances that came their way. Herbst has taken over the reins following the departure of Edgar Marcu, who was unable to turn around the team’s fortunes despite a number of closeseason changes and the introduction of a new style of play. In keeping with matches across West Dorset, a minute’s silence was held in honour of our late Queen.

RESPECT: Bridport players hold a minute’s silence before their match with Dartmouth and, right, Dan Baggs who hit a wonder goal against Sidmouth PICS BY STEVE BARRETT Sidmouth 1 Bridport Town 1

Dan Baggs’ wonder-goal against to Sidmouth was not enough to give the Bees their first victory for over a year, with the Bees pegged back through a second-half penalty. Baggs’ incredible left-foot strike stunned the Sidmouth goalkeeper, Ashley Small and gave his side a deserved lead at the break, however the visitors were unable to hold on to bag the three points, with Danny Pym levelling from the spot on 62 minutes. Jordan Scadding was in inspired form in the Bridport goal, producing a number of fine saves to ensure the Bees returned home with a point.