BEAMINSTER 164-6 (19pts) beat STURMINSTER MARSHALL 184-9 (7pts) by four wickets

IN-FORM Beaminster secured their third consecutive home win after beating high-flying Sturminster Marshal in a rain-affected game.

Only Calvin Brooks (66) and opener Mark Woods (86) made it in to double figures as the visitors made 184-9 from 39 overs.

Beaminster were set a revised target of 164 from 39 overs – due to bad weather – and Ross Baker played a captain’s innings to help his side over the line with an over to spare.

The start was delayed after a heavy downpour which resulted in reducing the overs to 40 overs per side.

Baker bowled Tony Lockwood in his third over as Sturminster struggled to 22-1 from eight overs.

The heavens then opened again forcing the players off the field to have an early tea.

After a 30-minute interval, the umpires calculated that Sturminster’s innings should be reduced to 39 overs.

Following the break, Woods and Brooks then showed aggressive intent while compiling an excellent partnership.

The Beaminster bowlers struggled in the slippery conditions as run ups had to be reduced to avoid injury.

Ryan Sweetman (2-50) found some rhythm and broke the partnership as Beaminster fought back. Pete Bustin (3-72) found bowling easier in his second spell as wickets started to tumble.

With Dan Spiller taking two catches, Beaminster were satisfied to reduce the visitors to 184-9 from their allocated overs.

Adam Herring was the pick of the bowlers after bowling economically, conceding just 16 runs from eight overs with two wickets.

Beaminster’s revised target was 164 from 32 overs.

Openers Dan Hillier (36) and Hugh Rathbone (7) built a solid platform as Beaminster kept up with the scoring rate.

After losing two wickets at the hands of Paul Maitland and Henry Cossins, Ross Baker (73no) batted determinedly to guide Beaminster past their target with just one over remaining.

Although Beaminster lost six wickets, they managed to keep up with the scoring rate throughout with Leo Gurd (13) providing the best support for his captain.

Baker’s innings included nine boundaries and a six as he achieved his third consecutive half- century at the Memorial Ground.

Next up for Beaminster is a home clash against Wimborne & Colehill Thirds on

Saturday as they look to continue their impressive run of form.