BEAMINSTER 120 (2pts) lost to CERNE VALLEY 121-3 (20pts) by 7 wickets

BEAMINSTER’S tough campaign continued at the Memorial Playing Field, as they suffered another loss in County Division Two at the hands of league leaders Cerne Valley.

When the two sides arrived they were greeted by thunderstorms which put the game in jeopardy.

Although the wicket was unquestionably wet, after considering the improved forecast both captains agreed to wait for as long as possible to allow the pitch to dry out.

An hour after the scheduled start, the toss was finally won by in-form Cerne, who chose to bowl on what proved to be a challenging surface.

In a reduced 35-over contest, Beaminster openers Fred Everitt (19) and Jack Walklett (25) played with determination to negotiate the opening overs.

But Everitt’s dismissal sparked a collapse as Beaminster fell from a steady platform of 50-0 to 66-5.

Ross Baker (47) was the only other batsman to offer any more resistance.

He smashed a succession of boundaries while wickets tumbled at the other end.

With overs and wickets running out, Baker was the last man to be dismissed attempting to hit another boundary, as Beaminster were all out for 121.

In reply, Jack Walklett was the first bowler to strike when Rich Runyard took a well-judged catch on the boundary with the score on 29.

Baker then took a wicket after another fine catch by Adam Herring at slip, and the home team sensed a slim opportunity to cause an upset.

However, Cerne’s Nick Kellaway continued his remarkable form with the bat, as he guided the league leaders home in the 27th over with an unbeaten 59 after playing positively and seizing on any loose deliveries.

Only one further wicket was taken by off-spinner Mark Barber, as Cerne won comfortably by seven wickets, with nine overs to spare.