SHAFTESBURY 85 (0pts) lost to BRIDPORT 86-1 (20) by nine wickets
JOE Ashton made an explosive debut for Bridport as he claimed an astounding nine wickets in their Dorset Funeral Plan Division Two win at Shaftesbury.
In a destructive spell the new recruit dismissed nine home batsmen in his 12 overs, conceding just nine runs in the process.
And Ashton was more than happy with his contribution to a game that will surely live long in his memory.
He said: "It was a nice debut for me and I couldn't have asked for anything more.
"My previous best figures were 9-34 so 9-9 is my best feat by a long way.
"I haven't played on an uncovered pitch for several years, I got some turn and bounce which was nice but I didn't even think about my figures.
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"I didn't get the ninth wicket until 11.5 of my 12 overs, which was the penultimate ball.
"Overall it was nice to skittle Shaftesbury out like we did then knock the score off for the loss of only one wicket, especially after the rain offs we've had recently."
Bridport captain Chris Backhouse was equally delighted with the victory. He said: "It was a good win and everyone played well. The fielding and bowling was superb, especially from Joe, and we did the job we needed to."
Shaftesbury batted first at Glaze Field but were undone by an inspired Ashton and eventually dismissed for a total of just 85 runs with Ashley Nicholls (1-26) taking the other home wicket.
Bridport crossed the finish line with 86 runs scored and nine wickets in hand. They did though, suffer an early scare when opener Matt Sherring was sent packing for a duck.
But Sean Fitzgerald (34 not out) and Sam Good (38 not out) took command, and the duo hit the winning runs to secure a comfortable victory for the visitors.
Bridport's sixth win of the campaign leaves them in sixth spot with one game still to play - a home clash with Wimborne & Colehill Seconds on Saturday.
Backhouse, who will name an unchanged side, added: "The top four or five is highest we can finish if results go our way and that would be a good finish for us after the season we've had.
"We'll have a few extra players next year and hopefully we'll challenge for top spot and promotion back to Division One."
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