STURMINSTER MARSHALL 267-6 (19pts) beat BEAMINSTER 164-8 by 15 runs (revised target)

BEAMINSTER lost by 15 runs in a tight rain-affected game at Sturminster Marshall’s Churchill Close in County Division Three.

Play in the league clash was abandoned after the heavens opened with Beaminster chasing a revised victory target of 179.

After losing the toss and being put in, the hosts played positively throughout their innings as Weymouth FC assistant-manager Paul Maitland struck a quickfire 47 in support of a fine 96 from Henry Lockwood.

Sturminster Marshall’s middle order also cashed in as the home side scored over 100 runs in the final 10 overs, with captain Will Gage (37) and Lloyd Beals (34no) doing the damage.

Adam Herring took 2-52 from eight overs, while opening bowlers Ross Baker (1-32) and Nick Hollely (1-44) helped keep the run rate below six-an-over as the hosts posted 267-6 off 45 overs.

Beaminster skipper Baker (52) went on the attack early in the visitors’ reply and the away team reached 64-1 after 10 overs before Lewis Keenan (14) was bowled by the left-arm seam of Beals (4-37).

Baker reached his 50 with 10 boundaries and a six but was then dismissed by a high full-toss, a wicket which sparked a collapse as five Beaminster batsmen quickly fell thereafter.

Dan Spiller hit six fours in an unbeaten 29 but when heavy rain prevented any further play Beaminster were narrowly short of their revised target.

Beaminster next face Ashmore at home on Saturday.