BEAMINSTER 169 (7pts) lost to SHILLINGSTONE SECONDS 171-6 (20pts) by four wickets

BEAMINSTER suffered the consequences of setting an inadequate total as Shillingstone Seconds won by four wickets with three overs remaining.

Justin Gurd top scored with 35 as the home side struggled to put partnerships together as they stumbled to 169 all out.

Despite a top spell from Ross Baker, Shillingstone reached their target in dramatic fashion.

Batting first on an excellent surface, Beaminster failed to build significant partnerships throughout their innings.

After losing both openers cheaply, Ali Crawford (14), Joe Hawkins (22) and Ross Baker (29) battled determinedly to rebuild.

However, both Crawford and Hawkins were dismissed to loose shots and Baker was unfortunate to be adjudged lbw.

It was then left to the tail to rescue the innings.

Gurd top scored with a hard hitting 35 including three maximums and three boundaries.

Nick Hollely (21) and Aidey Phillips (17) then shared an important 36-run partnership before Beaminster were bowled out with 11 balls remaining, but the tail-enders had given the hosts something to defend.

In reply, Baker (2-23) bowled an aggressive opening spell and took two wickets – both cleaned bowled.

Crawford (2-17) also applied pressure during an economical spell, dismissing Ian Paulley (10) and Thomas Waters (0) in quick succession, to give Beaminster hope of a victory as the visitors stumbled to 58-4.

However, Steve Savage (42) – batting at three – remained and was joined by Gary Stockley (44) then Tim Cowley (39no) to guide the away team towards their target.

Although two further wickets were taken by Hollely and Joe Hawkins, Shillingstone Seconds won in the 43rd over.

With the loss, Beaminster now sit seventh in County Division Three and are back in action against Poole Town Thirds this weekend.