COMPTON HOUSE 235 (20pts) beat BEAMINSTER 175 (10pts) by 60 runs

BEAMINSTER failed to take advantage of a superb start with the ball at Compton House in Dorset League Division Two.

The visitors had their opponents struggling on 117-6 at one stage but let them get away and paid the price in a 60-run defeat.

Beaminster skipper Ross Baker, who snared 2-50 and scored 21 with the bat, said: “We won the toss and elected to bowl on a wicket that was two-paced with variable bounce.

“Simon Jones (3-31) and I caused their top-order batsmen problems and thanks to two excellent catches from Nick David at gulley, and impressive work behind the stumps from Chris Lamb (five catches), we soon had them struggling on 117-6.

“However, our first change bowlers were unable to contain the middle order which went on the attack. Three simple catches were also put down and runs began to flow.

“Compton House were eventually bowled out for an above-par score of 235.

“In reply, Simon was dismissed for a duck and although Nick (25) and Chris (26) both batted bravely, we found runs hard to score.

“Once they were both dismissed, Julian Davies (38) and I then put on 54 for the fourth wicket and upped the scoring rate until a brilliant catch by Eckland at slip saw me depart, sparking a collapse.

“Hugh Rathbone made an entertaining 24 but we never seriously threatened their total and were eventually dismissed for 179 in the 42nd over.”

Beaminster, who have already secured an eighth-place finish, wrap up their campaign with a trip to Branksome & Parkstone this Saturday.

Elsewhere, eight-man Beaminster Seconds were bowled out for a woeful 31 by Crewkerne Seconds at Memorial Field.

The visitors racked up 246-7 in 45 overs but had praise for Beaminster’s fielding. N Bodger (31no), S Rowsall (62), R Keylock (48) and A Wellman (40) piled on the runs.

D Hall was the pick of the bowlers with 4-30, Dave Penman took 2-61 and injured wicketkeeper Toby James claimed three catches.

In reply, Beaminster slumped to 13-6 before last pair Will Aburrow (13no) and 13-year-old Leo Gurd took the total to 31. A Knight bowled superbly for Crewkerne, taking 5-9.

Beaminster host top of the table Chalke Valley in their last game of the season on Saturday.