STALBRIDGE SECONDS 153-8 (6pts) lost to BEAMINSTER 194-6 (18) by 41 runs

BEAMINSTER secured their first win of the County Division Two season with a rousing 41-run away win over Stalbridge Seconds.

After winning the toss and electing to bat in good conditions, the visitors lost their opening pair of Simon Jones and Chris Lamb cheaply.

And although Will Everitt (28) struck the ball powerfully and accelerated the scoring rate, the remaining top five batsmen were dismissed by the first change bowlers for single figures, as Beaminster limped to 75-5 off 24 overs.

But through first-team manager Ross Baker, pictured right, producing an unbeaten 80 and Jack Walklett making 21, the game then swung back in Memorial Field outfit’s favour, with a well-constructed stand of 107 for the sixth wicket.

After a cautious start, both batters played themselves in before striking numerous boundaries and running aggressively between the wickets to put pressure on Stalbridge in the field, as Beaminster closed their innings on 194-6 off 45 overs.

In reply, Stalbridge, who have yet to win a game in the league this term, centred their innings on an excellent partnership between Reece Wilson (60) and Simon Miles (41).

Beaminster’s fielders put down several chances as their heads began to drop but the partnership was eventually broken when Miles had to retire hurt.

And just as the home scented victory, Mark Barber was introduced into the Beaminster attack and produced a superb spell of spin bowling.

He found enough turn and bowled with good flight on a flat pitch to snare five wickets for just 13 runs, as Stalbridge fell short of their target on 153-8 moving Beaminster up to fourth place in the league table.