WIMBORNE & COLEHILL II 128 (3pts) lost to BEAMINSTER 132-3 (20pts) by seven wickets

BEAMINSTER beat Wimborne & Colehill Seconds by seven wickets to secure second place in County Division Two, earning promotion to County Division One.

Ross Baker’s men had slipped as low as County Division Three in 2017 but have now achieved two promotions in three seasons, only missing out on the title by five points to winners Witchampton.

Wimborne started strongly at the Leaze, scoring 50 from their first 10 overs when rain stopped play.

Upon returning to the crease, they struggled to settle. The Minstermen’s aggressive batting tactics soon led to their demise as wickets fell regularly with captain Ben Ratcliffe top scoring with 34.

Dan Swift (1-24) put in a good all-round performance for Beaminster, ably assisted by his fellow opener Nick Hollely (1-33).

Ross Baker (3-32) and Ali Crawford (2-23) then bowled well, putting sustained pressure on the batsmen supported by Dave Persey (1-0 off four overs) who put in his best bowling performance of the season.

Teenager Will Moss then took 3-7 to end Wimborne’s innings on 128 all out.

In reply, the Beaminster batsmen played well on a good wicket with a quick outfield.

Baker (32) and Chris Park (16) built a solid platform before Swift (40no) and Lewis Keenan (21) shared a 63-run partnership, hitting the ball to all corners of the field, to win.

A big cheer went up as enough points were gained to achieve promotion when reaching 116 runs.

After going up, a joyful Baker said: “That was our aim at the start of the season, to try and get promoted. It means the world to the club.

“We had a couple of bad years where we slipped down to Division Three at one point, regrouped a bit, got more players back this year and it was a really big effort from everyone to try and win promotion.

“It was a fine squad effort from everybody. Everyone’s chipped in, contributed and been focused throughout.”

With South African overseas player Daniel Swift set to return to the southern hemisphere, Baker revealed the door is ajar for his return or a replacement.

He said: “He’s definitely invited to come back, it just depends on his situation in terms of work. If Dan doesn’t come back we’ve got a contact in South Africa.

“Hopefully we’ll use his club and get another overseas player for next season. That’s something we’ve had in the past and something we want to continue with, because it’s a real positive.

“Not only on a Saturday, but with the youth teams having an extra coach. Everyone’s enjoyed playing with him and he’s been a leader on the field. He’s been fantastic for us.”

Beaminster hold their presentation evening in the Red Lion on Friday, September 6.

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830990

e: neil.walton

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @EchoSportNeil