BEAMINSTER captain Ross Baker is seeking an improved batting display ahead of the trip to Marnhull in County Division One on Saturday (1.30pm).

Baker’s men were skittled for 62 at the Memorial Ground as fellow promoted side Witchampton claimed an 85-run victory.

There is some doubt over whether Saturday’s fixtures will go ahead with the current forecast projecting heavy rain throughout match day.

Baker has opted to bolster his batting line-up for the contest, with second team captain Dan Spiller and batsman Dan Hillier replacing Ady Phillips and Ali Crawford.

On Marnhull, Baker told the Bridport News: “They’re always going to be one of the strongest sides and there are not going to be any easy games.

“We’re not too worried about the opposition, we’ve just got to work on what we need to improve on, which last week was obviously the batting.

“Our bowling was pretty steady and James Edmunds, special praise for him on his league debut, he was superb and had an excellent game.”

In last season’s Thank You NHS mini league, Beaminster lost by 52 runs at Marnhull with young seamer Will Moss claiming 5-24.

Baker said: “That was a good game, one of the hottest days last year. We fought well in the field and didn’t quite do enough with the bat.

“I think we’re looking forward to a close game.

“Looking at the forecast I don’t think there will be many games on, to be honest.”

Beaminster prop up the County Division One table with four points.

Beaminster: Baker, Spiller, Jones, Park, A Moss, W Moss, Bareham, Hollely, Edmunds, Everitt, Hillier.

What happened on Saturday?

BEAMINSTER 62 (4pts) lost to WITCHAMPTON 147-8 by 85 runs

BEAMINSTER were rolled out for 62 by fellow promoted side Witchampton on the opening day of the County Division One season.

With Beaminster’s Memorial Ground pitch conducive to good carry and bounce during pre-season, captain Ross Baker had no issues with electing to bowl first after winning the toss.

And debutant James Edmunds (3-23) came up trumps with an inspired display to limit Witchampton to 147-8, Daniel Bartram top-scoring with 33.

But batting frailties returned for the hosts, who were all at sea when Witchampton utilised the bowler friendly conditions to bowl their hosts out of 62, as Harrison Bowles took 4-7 despite a brilliant knock from Edmunds (29no).

Baker said: “Batting second did prove to be difficult for us, particularly against Witchampton’s bowling attack. Their two opening bowlers bowled exceptionally well.

“From 28-7 for you’re not going to win many games from there. Credit to Witchampton, they exploited the conditions brilliantly."