BEAMINSTER 120 (6pts) lost to SHILLINGSTONE 124-9 (18pts) by 1 wicket

A ONE-WICKET loss to Division Two leaders Shillingstone almost felt like a victory for Beaminster captain Will Everitt as his nine men gave the title chasers a huge fright on their own patch.

Shillingstone, who went into the match with only a single defeat to their names this season, were cruising in their pursuit of Beaminster’s modest-looking 120.

Their openers had put on 69 when the first wicket fell and there followed an almighty collapse with nine wickets falling for 46 runs.

Beaminster even had a chance to snatch a sensational victory but youngster David Percy couldn’t quite hold on to a catch that would have completed a remarkable win for the visitors.

“It was one of those games that re-affirms your love for cricket,” said Everitt. “The momentum swung one way then the other in such a short space of time.

“Afterwards everyone felt the result was fair but I certainly felt it was almost like a win for us because with nine men no-one would have given us a chance.

“They hit 291 against us at home and after we only scored 120 it didn’t look good.

“But as we have seen in cricket, players can feel the pressure of chasing a low total and the batsmen start to doubt themselves.

“Simon Jones bowled well for us and he was backed up by the other bowlers and everyone in the field.

“To get that close in the end was a real surprise to everyone and we did have a chance to win it.

“Their number 11 chipped the ball to the mid-off position and David Percy had to cover a lot of ground to get there and he just missed his chance to be the hero.”

Fred Everitt (30) top scored for Beaminster with Will Everitt (15) and Ross Baker (16) adding vital runs, while Jones (4-36) took out three of Shillingstone’s first four batsmen.

Elsewhere, Rob Meech’s 54 was the highlight for Beaminster Seconds in a 118-run loss at home to Poole Town Fourths in Division Six.

Batting first, Poole skipper Andy Milner (98no) and Rob Hellawell (104no) shared an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 179 to take the visitors to 244-4.

Beaminster were soon 10-3 in reply but Ade Phillips (19) helped Meech put on 44 for the fourth wicket.

The hosts managed to register a second batting point, however, they were all out for 126.