BEAMINSTER 168 (4pts) lost to DORCHESTER II 174-2 (20pts) by 8 wickets

AN understrength Beaminster side failed to bounce back from defeat to Kingston Lacy the previous week as they were despatched by title challengers Dorchester Seconds on home soil.

The hosts batted first and opener Dan Hillier (17) continued his fine form, going on the attack in the early overs before perishing after playing a loose shot.

Dave Persey quickly followed for nine as he was undone by the off spin of Bobby Chawla (2-19).

Ross Baker (19) and Hugh Rathbone (18) battled hard to rebuild the innings until both were dismissed by Will Channon (3-37).

Rathbone played a loose shot while Baker gloved to the keeper to leave the hosts sitting precariously on 77-5.

But the innings was transformed by Francis Medley (50) and Adam Herring (12 not out), who shared a 51-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Much to the delight of the crowd, Medley hit his highest score for his new club and his innings included eight boundaries and two sweetly struck maximums.

After his dismissal the Beaminster innings petered out, with the last four wickets being lost for just 17 runs.

Matt Porter mopped up the tail, dismissing Terry Field and Arthur Gay for ducks, as Beaminster were all out for 168.

In reply, Baker (1-33) struck early to dismiss Rhys Cole with a diving caught and bowled.

However, opportunities were not seized upon in the field as catches were spilled and run out chances wasted.

One further wicket was taken by the resurgent Field (1-47) but this was scant consolation as Ian Legg (88 not out) and Mike Peak (30 not out) put on 84 to ensure Dorchester reached their target in the 30th over.

Beaminster, sixth in the league table, go to fourth-placed Sturminster Marshall this Saturday.

Meanwhile, Beaminster Seconds, on the wrong end of a nine-wicket loss against Witchampton Seconds last time out, host Poole Town Fourths in Division Six this weekend.