BEAMINSTER 185-7 (19pts) beat WIMBORNE & COLEHILL THIRDS 129 (5pts) by 56 runs

BEAMINSTER made it back-to-back wins in County Division Three after they emerged victorious on the road at Wimborne & Colehill Thirds.

The visitors batted first on a green and slow track, and after losing a man early on, 49 runs were added for the second wicket.

Despite struggling to time the ball, Beaminster batsmen Rich Runyard and Ross Baker took advantage of any loose deliveries.

They also ran well between the wickets to help the away side build a platform for the rest of the innings.

Runyard’s dismissal then sparked a mini collapse as three wickets were lost, leaving them on 83-4.

However, top scorer Baker (61) remained and showed his intent by playing a number of aggressive shots. He recorded seven boundaries and two maximums in his innings.

When Baker was dismissed, Beaminster’s tail wagged as debutant Francis Medley hit an aggressive 30 to boost the visitors' total.

Dave Penman (25 not out) and Brian Earl (9 not out) saw proceedings out as Beaminster closed on a competitive 185-7 from their 45 overs.

In reply, Wimborne started well as opener Wellington (48) went on the offensive, striking a number of boundaries at the top of the order.

With Sanders (21) also in good touch, the home side were in an excellent position at 83-3 after 20 overs and Beaminster found themselves on the ropes.

However, visiting seamer Adam Herring then produced an inspired bowling performance as he claimed five wickets for just 15 runs.

Spinner Mark Barber also snared two victims as Wimborne’s chase failed to transpire and they were eventually skittled out for 129 to give Beaminster what in the end proved a comfortable 56-run victory.

After a poor performance in the field the previous week, the Beaminster team was transformed.

Wicketkeeper Runyard executed a sharp stumping, Will Everitt took a well-judged catch in the deep, and Baker built on his impressive batting display by taking a sublime one-handed catch at silly mid on.

The Beaminster first team have now won their last six league matches, and after two games of the current season they sit second in the division, one point behind leaders Ashmore, who currently boast a faultless record of 40 points from their two games.

Beaminster host Kingston Lacy on Saturday.

In County Division Six, Beaminster Seconds' scheduled home clash with Wimborne & Colehill Fourths was cancelled.