KINGSTON LACY 95 (5pts) lost to BEAMINSTER 154 (18pts) by 59 runs

BEAMINSTER secured their fifth consecutive win as they took a 59-run victory against Kingston Lacy at Pamphill Green in County Division Three.

Beaminster captain Ross Baker lost the toss and his side were put in on a surface which served up plenty of unpredictable bounce.

The visiting batsmen struggled to score against a tight and accurate bowling attack as Leo Gurd (11) and Cameron Lucas (8) were removed by John Burns (3-19) and Karl Jones (1-70) respectively.

Baker (18) battled away but eventually fell to the impressive James Holton (5-8) after the middle order had collapsed disappointingly, with four Beaminster batsmen bowled for ducks.

At 68-8 Beaminster were in desperate trouble but Pete Bustin hit an inspired best innings of 56, including five huge maximums, to boost Baker’s men to a score of 154 all out.

Bustin was ably supported by Dave Persey (8) and the returning Ben Hollely (14no), who smashed a flat six and a boundary in his cameo knock.

Beaminster soon extracted the same variable bounce and movement from the pitch that the home bowlers had, and they quickly set upon Kingston Lacy’s top order.

Nick Hollely (2-29) made a crucial early breakthrough when dismissing the dangerous Jones (0) courtesy of an excellent catch in the deep from Justin Gurd.

Hollely went on to dismiss George Holt (12), while first-change bowler Baker (2-23) accounted for Dale Coghlan (20) and Matt Holton (0).

Ben Hollely then conjured up a superb direct-hit run out as Lacy began to wilt under the pressure.

Only James Holton (27no) resisted the away attack as William Moss (4-10) continued his remarkable form to decimate the lower order and help skittle the hosts for 95.

With 18 points collected, Beaminster closed the gap on Ashmore in fourth place and now lie just two points behind them after their 66-run loss to Sturminster Marshall.

But Beaminster will face a tough test in their next match against leaders Charlton Down, who visit the Memorial Ground on Saturday.