BEAMINSTER 248-4 (19pts) beat Dorchester SECONDS 123-8 (4pts) on rain reduced target

BEAMINSTER bagged their first win of the season with an impressive performance against rivals Dorchester Seconds.

Despite going into the local derby without a victory to their name, the visitors were in fine form with both bat and ball.

Two excellent partnerships of 95 and 124 laid the foundations as Beaminster posted an imposing 248-4 before Tom Goatly (4-35) led a blistering attack to see the county town side, set a reduced target of 223 from 37 overs, fall way short on 123-8.

Victorious skipper Will Everitt, who won the toss, said: “On a windy, miserable day batting first proved to be a good choice.

“Excellent work from Freddie Everitt (41) and Nick David (41) put us in a commanding position from the outset, scoring 95 from just 18 overs.

“This good form was to be followed by a well deserved century partnership from Richard Runyard (61) and Richard Bugler (52 not out). Both of them batted patiently and never looked in trouble.

“After a short spell of rain we had a reduced total of 223 to defend in 37 overs.

“On his return, Tom Goatly was in terrific form and, along with Simon Jones (2-14), removed the top order cheaply.

“Good spells from Richard Runyard (2-12) and Nick (0-24) kept things tight, and a bowling debut for young talent Dave Percy (0-20) helped seal our maiden win of the season.

“As captain I am very pleased with the performance of the team, and confident this form can be carried into this Saturday’s game at home to Witchampton.”

Beaminster made the most of their captain’s decision to bat first with Nick David and Freddie Everitt combining to great effect.

The pair racked up 95 runs before their partnership was brought to an end by Joe Power (3-44).

The home bowler struck twice more in quick succession to leave the away side on 112-3 but Richard Bugler and Richard Runyard got the West Dorset outfit back on track – and in some style.

The duo amassed 124 in a fine display, pushing Beaminster beyond the 200-mark for the first time this summer.

Inclement weather meant the hosts were set a revised target in reply but in spite of decent starts from the likes of Ian Legg (25), Matt Porter (33) and Pete Horne (23 not out), they never really looked capable of reaching their goal.

That was partly due to the efforts of the visiting attack, spearheaded by the deadly Goatly.

Dorchester captain Stuart Beasley said: “We started well with Mike Peak and Pete Horne, playing his first game for the seconds, bowling well.

“Mike then pulled the same muscle he injured a couple of weeks ago and that brought on Joe Power, who got the breakthrough with some very good spin.

“Chances came and went with a few catches going down, and it proved a hard day in the field.”