RANSTON CUP FINAL - 19 July 2006

The third consecutive Ranston cup final between Stalbridge and Shaftesbury Convicts was affected by bad light and heavy rain, but it didn’t stop the two sides producing another closely contested match at Blandford Recreation Ground.

Put in on a good batting track, Stalbridge got off to a rapid start and reached 79-3 at the half way mark, thanks largely to 44 by Chris Hedges.  However, tight bowling from Graham Hipworth (1-35) and Duncan Burles (3-30) soon had Stalbridge in trouble as they were reduced to 89-6.  A rapid stand of 35 between Reece Wilson (37 not out) and Rob Burfitt (18) repaired some of the damage, while Wilson’s continued hitting in the company of the tail enabled Stalbridge to post a commanding 173-9 off their allotted 16 overs.

Shaftesbury were quickly out of the blocks thanks to Dave Toogood (36) and Graham Hipworth (53), and they reached 87 after 8 overs before Hipworth was unluckily run out.  This proved the turning point as new batsmen struggled to maintain 11 an over in the gathering gloom against a disciplined bowling attack and largely tight ground fielding.  The onset of heavy rain enhanced the difficulties for both sides, and although Duncan Burles (20) and Tristan Todd (26) kept the scoreboard moving, Shaftesbury closed on 156-5.

Graham Hipworth picked up the man of the match award, while Stalbridge also celebrated adding a second consecutive Division 1 title to their 17 run Cup success.  Shroton finished runners up in Division 1, while Shillingstone and Buckhorn Weston finished as winners and runners up respectively in Division 2.

Stalbridge 173-9 (C.Hedges 44, R Wilson 37*, D Burles 3-30, S Marsh 2-35), Shaftesbury Convicts 156-5 (G Hipworth 53, D Toogood 36, A Dike 2-47).  Stalbridge won by 17 runs.