Sloppy Beaminster crushed by Ferndown (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Sloppy Beaminster crushed by Ferndown

10:48am Monday 29th June 2009

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BEAMINSTER crashed out of Dorset League Division One’s top four after a comprehensive reversal at home to mid-table rivals Ferndown.

The Memorial Ground outfit lost the toss and wilted in the scorching heat as Ferndown – who consequently leapfrog them in the table - amassed 292-7.

Not helped by the concession of 51 extras, Beaminster’s fielders suffered a contagious attack of butterfingers, spilling numerous chances.

In reply the home side started superbly but once wickets tumbled under the pressure of a spiralling asking rate, thoughts of victory evaporated.

Although Beaminster did acquire maximum batting points, skipper Ross Baker could not conceal his discontent at their second defeat on the bounce.

He said: “We kept it tight early on with the ball but they had plenty of wickets in hand and the big hitters came in for the last 20 overs and took us apart.

“The wicket was excellent for batting and I really didn’t want to field first in that heat, we were exhausted when we came off.

“They got far too many runs and our bowling at the end of the innings cost us dearly, as did the amount of extras we conceded and catches we dropped.

“We tried to accelerate but when we did we lost wickets steadily and fell behind the run rate and our chance of victory was gone.

“Our batting seems to be coming along but our fielding has deteriorated and that is something we need to put right.”

Referring to unavailable trio Fred Etherington, Fred Everitt and Chris Bridges, Baker added: “We definitely lacked experience out there, but you can only pick who’s available.”

Julian Davies (3-65) was rewarded with the early scalp of Neil Sexton for a duck but this was an isolated success as Ferndown piled up the runs.

A partnership of 88 followed before both Baker (1-36) and Davies struck in quick succession, reducing the visitors to 111-3.

Despite their pedestrian scoring rate, Ferndown’s methodical approach paid dividends as they tucked into some delectable bowling after seeing off the frontline seamers.

In particular, youngster Nick Hollely (2-74 from nine overs) was targeted while Joe Hawkins’ four overs yielded 37 runs.

Chasing 293 to win, openers Chris Park (56) and Richard Runyard (30) put on 82 but the visitors chipped away with timely interventions.

And while Simon Jones (37 not out) tried to anchor a victory charge, he was left stranded as Beaminster’s last four batsmen added just nine runs between them.

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