SHILLINGSTONE II 248-9 (20pts) beat BEAMINSTER 162 (7pts) by 86 runs

BEAMINSTER’S wait for their first victory in County Division Three this season was extended after they were bowled out short of their victory target against Shillingstone Seconds.

After winning the toss, Shillingstone scored a daunting 248-9 in their 45 overs after a determined 125-run first wicket partnership between Ian Bradley (64) and Ian Paulley (72).

Despite beating the outside edge on numerous occasions and conceding only 19 runs from his nine overs, Beaminster opening bowler Ross Baker was unable to make a breakthrough.

At 177-2 Shillingstone looked set for a huge score but Beaminster fought back with some improved fielding, as they stuck to the task and continued to toil away.

William Murley took two fine catches, Dave Persey executed a sharp run out and Justin Gurd took a stunning one-handed catch to stem the flow of Shillingstone runs.

Gurd then made his mark with the ball by taking three wickets in three overs. The remaining wickets were shared between Simon Jones (1-54), Aidey Phillips (2-46), Dave Persey and Rob Meech took one apiece before Shillingstone closed on 248-9.

Thomas Waters also made 24 for the home side batting at three and the Beaminster attack was guilty of giving away 34 extras.

In reply, the returning Jones made a classy 34 with the bat while the remaining top order were dismissed trying to keep up with the mammoth scoring rate.

Beaminster’s Dan Spiller continued his fine start to the season as he top scored with 40 coming in at five.

Aidey Phillips (33) attacked the bowlers at the end before being the final wicket to fall on 162.

Shillingstone’s Waters was the pick of their attack with 4-29 from his nine overs after coming on at first change.

The result means Beaminster have lost their opening three league fixtures of the campaign.