BEAMINSTER 117 (17pts) beat WEYMOUTH SECONDS 104 (6pts) by 13 runs

THE wait goes on for Michael Pearce and Weymouth Seconds after they fell 13 runs short of recording their first victory of the season in Dorset League Division Two.

The Seasiders skittled Beaminster for just 117 but frailties in their batting line-up flared up once again to consign them to their eighth defeat of the summer, although one of them was the result of a scratched game for failing to raise a side.

For Pearce, who snared 5-11 from nine overs, this latest defeat was particularly disappointing after having seen his side perform so well in the field with Harry Mitchell (3-38) and Ryan Sers (2-18) both producing good spells with the ball.

The Weymouth skipper, an older head in a very young and inexperienced side, told Echosport: “Yet again our batting failed and after a good bowling and fielding performance we were left losing a game we should have won.

“Three or four of us got into the teens but it is not enough, and one or two in the top-order need to start getting a score in every game to set or reach totals.

“We have now played half of the season and taking the scratch game out of the equation, with better batting we could and should have won three or four games.

“So to draw on some positives, if the batsmen can improve and the bowling and fielding is maintained we should get some wins under our belt.”

Six of Beaminster’s batting line-up fell for ducks including three of the top four, which at one stage left the visitors struggling on 12-3.

However, opener Nick David (52) stood firm and it was his half-century that proved the crucial knock of the afternoon as his side eventually posted a target of 117 with Rich Runyard (16) and captain Will Everitt (19) also adding vital runs.

In reply, Ryan Monk (14) and Pete Gordon (19) got off to a solid start but once that stand was broken wickets began to fall at regular intervals with 21-0 quickly becoming 55-5.

Pearce (14) and Marc Boggust (19) then dug in but after Tom Goatly (3-21) had done the majority of the damage to the top order, Simon Jones (4-24) came on and completed the job.

Everitt said: “Superb performances with the ball from Simon Jones and Tom Goatly and a great team spirit helped us edge a win in the tightest of games.

“A determined effort with the bat from Nick David saw us post a defendable total and after tea the wickets of Pearce and Boggust proved to be vital in quashing Weymouth’s hopes of victory with good work from keeper Fred Everitt and Jones drawing a textbook stumping out of the Boggust.

“Our focus now is to go on and record back-to-back wins at home to Cranborne on Saturday.”