BEAMINSTER 130 (6pts) lost to MARNHULL 295-9 (20pts) by 165 runs

BEAMINSTER suffered a 165-run thumping against promotion-chasing Marnhull in their County Division Two clash at the Memorial Ground.

After losing the toss on a flat surface, Dave Persey (3-66) took three wickets in his opening spell as Marnhull slumped to 20-3.

Change bowlers Will Moss (3-50) and Ross Baker (1-23) also took wickets to leave Marnhull on a perilous 78-5.

That was before the innings accelerated and the home team unravelled as James Vitali (110), the second-highest runscorer in Dorset this season, and Edwin Ralph (68no from 44 balls) cut loose.

The duo hit 25 fours and three sixes between them, while Ashley Young (32) and Marcus Cundy (15 off five balls) were the supporting acts with Marnhull reaching 295-9 as catches were dropped and loose deliveries were punished on a fast outfield.

In reply, Beaminster’s openers Ross Baker (39) and Rich Runyard (37) started well as they shared an excellent 67-run opening stand.

However, spinner James Hardy (8-38) changed the game including an excellent caught and bowled to dismiss captain Baker and stem the flow of runs.

Only Lewis Keenan (26) offered further resistance before Beaminster were dismissed for 130 in the 26th over, Paul Woodrow (2-39) picking up the other wickets.

Speaking to Echosport, Baker felt an under-strength Beaminster had witnessed “the best batting” at the Memorial Ground in recent years.

He said: “We lost the toss and Marnhull batted extremely well.

“I think that was the best batting we’ve seen for a couple of years.

“It all unravelled in the field with tired people and frustration. We knew we had to get Vitali out and while he was there we always felt they were likely to get a good score, he glued their innings together. We just couldn’t get him out. There were a couple of opportunities where we couldn’t get in a position to catch the ball.

“They batted really well at the end and they accelerated really well in the last 10-15 overs.”

On his side’s batting, Baker added: “We had a really good start and put them on the back foot. Rich and I decided to go on the attack, but unfortunately I got caught and bowled.

“(Hardy) bowled well, so credit to him.”

Beaminster are set to be strengthened by the return of Joe Hawkins, Simon Jones and Cameron Lucas for their next match away to Kingston Lacy on Saturday (1.30pm).

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