BEAMINSTER 217-4 (20pts) bt KINGSTON LACY 167 (5pts) by 47 runs

BEAMINSTER recorded an impressive victory at home to Kingston Lacy in the Dorset County Division One.

After losing the toss and being put into bat, the top four Beaminster batsmen all made useful contributions as a solid platform was laid.

Chris Park (47) and Ross Baker (28) put on their third consecutive 50-partnership before Simon Jones entered the fray and played superbly to hit 81, before being bowled by Bob Dykes.

Against accurate bowling, the Beaminster batsmen played determinedly and ran well between the wickets as they built up a good score.

Richard Runyard supported Jones to ensure the home team passed 200 on a hot afternoon at the Memorial Ground.

Beaminster ended the innings with 217 to leave Kingston with a fair challenge on their hands.

Early wickets were taken by the promoted Will Moss and Francis Medley. First change bowler Simon Jones enjoyed an excellent spell as he took three crucial wickets.

However, Kingston Lacy fought back and looked to set chase their target before fifth bowler Richard Runyard bowled superbly to ensure Beaminster were ahead in the game.

Ross Baker (3-30) returned to the attack to mop up the tail as Beaminster won by 40 runs.

Beaminster captain Baker said: “It was hard fought, it was two quite evenly-matched teams.

“I think our extra bowler at the end proved decisive, we had Richard Runyard come on and bowl a really good spell for us. When we needed a wicket he got that breakthrough and that was the difference between the two teams.”

Baker praised the Kingston side’s bowlers as he admitted his side fell just short of their initial batting aim.

Baker said: “I think our aim was to get 220 plus, we did not quite manage that but to be fair they bowled very well.

“All of their bowlers were accurate and they did not give us too many loose deliveries so we had to work hard to get over 200.

“We felt that was a good score in the end because we worked really hard to get that score.”

The result means that Beaminster are fourth in the table, level with Weymouth and Wimborne & Colehill Seconds after three games of the season.

Beaminster are next away to Blandford on Saturday.

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