BEAMINSTER 235-8 (20pts) beat CRANBORNE 206 (8pts) by 29 runs

BEAMINSTER beat champions-elect Cranborne after an excellent team performance in their final home game of the season as they beat the league leaders by 29 runs.

A half-century from Rich Runyard helped Beaminster to 235-8.

Cranborne never looked like chasing the target down as they were all out for 206.

The home team took advantage of winning the toss as they posted a competitive total. The promoted Rob Meech set the tone with a hard hitting 34.

Ali Crawford (32) and Ross Baker (24) continued the good work before both were dismissed when well set.

Rich Runyard (55) made Cranborne pay for dropping two straightforward catches.

He shared a 90-run partnership with Dan Spiller (26) before the innings closed on 235-8.

In reply, Cranborne struggled to keep up with the scoring rate.

Baker bowled a tight opening spell and dismissed the dangerous Coy for 17. Nick Hollely (4-36) bowled three spells and took important wickets in each as he dismissed four of the top five batsmen.

Crawford also bowled well in the middle overs taking 3-41 before Aidey Phillips (2-41) mopped up the tail.

Steve Leigh (63) gave Cranborne hope with a hard hitting innings including five huge maximums. However, Beaminster’s fielding was superb.

The highlight was a brilliant diving catch by Spiller. Crawford, Dave Persey, Phillips and Baker all took catches as Cranborne were dismissed 29 runs short of their target.