WAREHAM 153 (5pts) lost to BEAMINSTER 154-4 (20pts) by six wickets

BEAMINSTER got their campaign in County Division Three off to a flyer with a comfortable six-wicket victory over visitors Wareham at the Memorial Playing Field.

The hosts won the toss on a cold and grey day and decided to have a bowl in the gloomy conditions.

Wareham's opening batsmen started well and it looked like it could be a lengthy spell in the field for the home side when the visitors put on 73 for the first wicket.

The Beaminster fielders failed to adapt to the conditions, shelling numerous catches and missing run out opportunities, and it wasn’t until Will Everitt was introduced to the attack that their fortunes changed.

Swinging the ball late and bowling with good pace, Everitt cleaned up four batsmen and trapped another man leg before to record excellent figures of 5-19 in his full allocation of nine overs, a spell which completely changed the game.

Opening bowler Ross Baker (3-25) then returned to the attack and mopped up the tail as 10-man Wareham were dismissed in the 33rd over.

Eight of the nine dismissals claimed by Beaminster were bowled as fielders failed to cling on to any of the chances given by the Wareham batsman throughout the innings.

Mist and drizzle descended on the ground at tea, meaning conditions became even worse with a wet ball and slow outfield.

The Wareham bowlers caused Beaminster problems as movement was found off the wicket.

Three Beaminster batsmen were lost for just 36 runs before a match-winning partnership was formed between Richard Runyard (45) and Hugh Rathbone (40 not out).

The duo battled hard against the conditions and then played their shots with increasing confidence when they had settled at the crease.

And when opening batsman Runyard was dismissed, Beaminster’s man of the match Everitt then showed his credentials with the bat as he finished the game in style.

He hit a maximum to seal the game and give his side the perfect start to their season.

Next up for Beaminster is a trip to Wimborne & Colehill Thirds, who were heavily beaten by Weymouth Seconds at Redlands on Saturday.

Elsewhere, in County Division Four, Bridport’s season opener at home to Pimperne was abandoned without a ball being bowled at the Brewery Ground.