POOLE TOWN SECONDS 209 (20pts) beat BEAMINSTER 159 (9pts) by 50 runs

FRED Everitt’s valiant 73 wasn’t enough to save Beaminster from a 50-run defeat to Poole Town Seconds in Division Two.

Travelling to Poole Park one man short, the visitors did well in the heat to bowl out the hosts for 209.

But although Everitt and skipper Will Everitt (30) built a solid partnership, once they went it was all downhill for Beaminster.

Poole bowler Nick Heckford took 5-36, including the wickets of both Everitts, as the away side were all out for 159.

“We are very disappointed to have lost this match,” said the Beaminster captain. “Having fielded well in sweltering heat, we recovered after a shaky start with the bat to put ourselves in a good position to win the game.

“However, Freddie and I both conceded our wickets softly and, sadly, no further partnerships materialised.

“There were good bowling performances again from the ever-reliable Ross Baker and Jack Walklett and another fine display with the bat from Freddie.”

Batting first, the hosts were left floundering somewhat as Will Everitt and Baker removed the top order relatively cheaply.

But Phil Pay rebuilt the Poole innings and he was still at the crease when the last wicket fell, finishing unbeaten on 84 as Everitt took 4-74 and Baker 4-44.

After openers Hugh Rathbone and Walklett went for one and six respectively, the Everitts got Beaminster back on track but when Heckford struck there was only one winner.

Meanwhile, a brilliant 105 from Dan Hillier set Beaminster Seconds on their way to a memorable first win of the season against Bere Regis Seconds in Division Six.

Hillier’s century, along with 34 from Rob Meech, took the hosts to 219 in 40.2 overs. The Beaminster bowlers then stepped up with Ade Phillips recording figures of 4-32 and Ollie Boxall, Meech, Justin Gurd and Ryan Sweetman all chipping in as the visitors were dismissed for 160.

A special mention goes to wicketkeeper Nick Milton after he was called on at short notice to make his debut.

The home side’s 59-run win doesn’t lift them off the foot of the table but gives them a confidence boost for the remaining seven games of the summer.

They go to title contenders Charlton Down on Saturday while the firsts host Witchampton.