WIMBORNE Cricket Club sealed a comprehensive home victory over Sherborne to cap off their season, just missing out on defending the title.

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat, with Ryan Roberts and Harry Fairchild giving the side early momentum with a strong partnership.

Roberts fell first for 22, with the side at 48-1.

Ben Bridgen continued Wimborne’s strong start, hitting 94 and striking at just under 88, and when opener Harry Fairchild got out for 56, the side were well placed on 104-2.

Bridgen anchored the innings with a contribution from Fred Boger, hitting 35.

Wimborne reached their total of 268 all out after 49 overs on a flat pitch, and began the Sherborne reply in fine fashion.

(Image: Stephen Nicholls)

Fourteen-year-old Henry Taylor got prolific batter Mark Roca out with the first ball of the innings, and in conjunction with fellow 14-year-old Barney Overton, kept it tight at the top of the order.

The pair bowled quickly and swung the ball, causing issues for the Sherborne top order, with Taylor getting three and Overton two of the visitor’s top five.

This included the wickets of Fin Guppy and Charlie Robinson in three balls in one Taylor over.

Connor Houldsworth chipped in with two wickets, including that of dangerous ex-first-class player Ryan Buckley for 28.

The game stayed well within Wimborne’s control, and the win was secured with an excellent catch from Fairchild at second slip.

(Image: Stephen Nicholls)

The curtain came down on their season with a fine 145-run win, as they finished second in Dorset Cricket League Premier League.

Captain Bridgen said: “It was one of our better all round performances this season and a great way to end the season with a comprehensive win.

“Upfront with the bat Ryan and Harry set the tempo with some classy shots.

“It was nice personally to contribute with a decent score after what felt like a bit of a stop start season.

“With the ball, our pace attack was too strong for their top order! Henry Taylor has shown this season, his skill bowling at a decent pace and swinging the ball.

“One of his wickets was unplayable.”

(Image: Stephen Nicholls)

On the season as a whole, Bridgen said the side was ‘naturally disappointed’ to not defend their title.

“However, we came into the season knowing the multiformat was new for everybody and that there will be no easy games in a reduced team league,” he said.

“We continue to field a young team throughout the season, Saturday we only had two players over the age of 18.

“The lads learned a lot and we continue to challenge them to make big contributions each week.

“The highlight was no doubt winning the T-20 format and reaching the regional finals. The trip to Amersham and playing a very strong Preston nomads team was a great experience.

“I’m sure the lads will come back even better next season and we will compete in all formats once again.”