Sport
Blackmore Vale teams gear up for league cricket season The Dorset Cricket Board has published its list of 2021 fixtures in the hope that it can complete this season in full. The lockdowns of last summer meant that teams only managed half a season, playing a ‘friendly league’ with no promotion or relegation across seven divisions. In the rejigged league, Dorchester ended up champions, thanks to a twowicket win over Poole in September. Two Blackmore Vale sides are due to compete against Dorchester in the 10-team Dorset Premier League this year: Sherborne and Shroton. Village side Shroton has held its own in the top-flight for four seasons but the club pulled out of last year’s competition, citing only a small squad and a number of older players. The team has also yet to fully commit to 2021. “We usually only have 11 players available,” explained batsman and former captain Marc Doble. “To pull out is not a decision we would take lightly as the cricket club is the heartbeat of the village. “Hopefully we can play, especially as we didn’t have any cricket last year.” Shroton is due to open its fixtures on May 1 at home to Christchurch – and finish with another home game against the champions, Dorchester, on August 28. It would be a much-anticipated game at a venue much loved by opposing teams. Sherborne starts its campaign away to Broadstone and also ends away, to Wimborne – should all go ahead as planned this summer.Dorset Cricket Board development manager Keith Brewer told the NBV:
Dorset non-league football season set to be cancelled
Dorset non-league teams across several divisions are anticipating the football season will be abandoned next week. With the number of games having already been postponed due to lockdown or the weather, Shaftesbury FC secretary Lewis Disson said clubs are facing up to reality. “We want to carry on but I don’t think it is feasible. If we start the next season in August or September, there just won’t be the time to finish this season.” The Football Association says that any decisions are on hold until after the government reveals its ‘roadmap’ out of the current lockdown on Monday. The crucial step is GREEN DAY: Preparing the cricket square and strips is already whether games are permitted under way at Wincanton CC again, with or without spectators. The committees governing non-league football will convene after Monday but Wincanton Cricket Club is and stuff like this will also take into account a closing in on a £3,000 happening is survey of clubs’ wishes taken fundraising effort for heartbreaking.” last month. emergency work on its The appeal sparked an “It will go to a club vote but pavilion. outpouring of generosity, the league will say what they “Unfortunately, we had a with more than £2,600 water leak which led to the being donated within eight think is the best option,” said Disson. whole ceiling having to be days of an appeal page Shaftesbury is in the Wessex ripped out,” said club being published. League Premier Division, Step chairman Matt Howell. The season begins in May 5 of the FA non-league “Everything that was in and and it is hoped to have the structure. Sherborne and around the kitchen area has pavilion interior repaired Wincanton are in the Western had to be binned. Vital and replaced by then. League Division One, a rung n If you would like to materials will need to be bought to fund this project. donate, go to gofundme.com lower in the structure, at Step 6. Both steps are governed by We are a town club and rely and search for Wincanton the leagues committee, which on volunteers working hard Cricket Club. will inform the clubs of their recommendation. If the higher “The governing cricket bodies yet confirmed for this season. leagues stop, it will almost are talking to the government One step down from the inevitably mean ithe Dorset and the feedback is that there Premier League, Stalbridge, Premier League is abandoned, is no reason why a no-contact Shillingstone, Marnhull and affecting Blandford, sport played outdoors Compton House (Sherborne) Gillingham and Sturminster shouldn’t be possible.” are among 10 teams competing Newton. A silver lining for Last season, the DCB reduced in Division One. Shaftesbury would be it ability the number of overs to 45 in Shillingstone hosts Compton in to focus on plans to install an the top divisions to allow its first game. In Division Two, artificial 3G pitch this more time to clean the ball Shaftesbury and summer. “If football comes to and introduce other sanitation Blandford compete – and play a halt, it might be a blessing in measures. Final details are not each other in the opening game. disguise,” said Disson. 77
Donations flood in for repairs
