KINGSTON LACY 182 (19pts) beat BEAMINSTER 109 (6pts) by 73 runs

BEAMINSTER’S batting woes resurfaced as they were dismissed for a poultry 109 in their 74-run loss at home against Kingston Lacy.

Simon Jones bowled fantastically, taking four victims as the visitors scored 182 from 37 overs. Bob Dykes top scored with 59.

In reply, Jones impressed with the bat, scoring 41, but the hosts capitulated as they fell short of their target.

With several key experienced players absent, Beaminster fielded a youthful side including five under- 15s.

Beaminster won the toss and put in their hosts.

Nick Hollely bowled a tidy spell taking 2-32 while stalwart Jones excelled taking 4-30.

The all-rounder removed much of the middle order after Hollely and Ali Crawford had removed an opener each.

Although Kingston Lacy struggled to 65-4 they rallied through Dykes to post a competitive total.

Crawford ended up with figures of 2-42 whilst Fergus Rees took 1-32.

William Murley took two excellent catches before Kingston Lacy were bowled out for 182.

In reply, Beaminster struggled, losing both openers, Hugh Rathbone (4) and Leo Gurd (1), for just 22 runs. Crawford fell for eight and although Jones batted with resistance for his 41, he had little support as wickets tumbled.

Daniel Spiller was bowled for a duck by Karl Jones, who took the wicket of both openers, before captain Justin Gurd was out for 10 off the bowling of John Burns.

The only other significant score was Nick Hollely with 15, but he was caught by Steve Maine off James Holton’s bowling.

Holton then took the last three wickets as after 27 overs, Beaminster were all out for just 109.