BEAMINSTER 95-2 (2pts) lost to ASHMORE 242-5 (16pts) by slower run-rate

BEAMINSTER lost a rain-affected fixture for the second successive week in County Division Three as Ashmore were the latest beneficiaries of the bad weather.

Lee Russell’s unbeaten 110 had carried Ashmore to 242-5 from their 45 overs as Beaminster were guilty of dropping numerous chances.

In reply, Beaminster’s innings was interrupted several times by heavy showers but the hosts fell behind the required run-rate, losing both Lewis Keenan (19) and Simon Jones (2) before the game was abandoned at 96-2 with 23 overs gone.

Beaminster won the toss and elected to bowl in damp conditions, but it was Russell who dominated the Ashmore innings with eight fours and six sixes.

Wickets were shared around for the hosts, with Nick Hollely’s figures of 1-45 from nine overs the most notable.

Despite an opening stand of 47 from captain Ross Baker (55no) and Keenan (19), Beaminster were struggling to keep up with the run-rate and, when Keenan went, Simon Jones (2) quickly followed.

Simon Trepess (1-27) and Rob Maskell (1-24) were the only Ashmore bowlers to take wickets as Baker was left undefeated having struck five boundaries.

When the rain showed no signs of abating, the players left the field and the result was called with more than the necessary amount of overs of the Beaminster reply being bowled.

Beaminster currently sit seventh in the table and travel to in-form Dorchester Seconds on Saturday.