PARLEY II 143-4 (7pts) BEAMINSTER 15-0 (7pts) – abandoned

IT WAS frustration all round at Parley as Beaminster’s County Division Two game was abandoned shortly into the visitors’ innings due to persistent rain.

After an uncontested toss, Parley batted and were immediately on the back foot due to excellent opening spells by Nick Hollely (1-22) and Daniel Swift (1-25).

Beaminster removed Shane Green (4) and Jonathan Rake (1) before the middle order batsmen battled determinedly to rebuild the innings for the home side.

However the change bowlers continued to build pressure and keep the scoring rate down.

Captain Ross Baker (1-33) bowled the dangerous Matt King for 25 while William Moss (1-9) had Arun Subbhian caught behind for a hard hitting 48, before the heavens opened and players were forced off the field for an early tea.

Although Beaminster’s reply started, conditions were dangerous as play was abandoned after just four overs.

Speaking to the Bridport News, Baker admitted the downpour was unexpected.

He said: “It’s frustrating, not many games were cancelled in the league – it was only the Bournemouth area that had the rain.

“It was a bit unexpected. We looked at the forecast in the morning and it was a 50 per cent chance of light showers. We had to go off for an early tea.

“We tried to go back out and start our innings but it was pretty obvious it was not playable and it started to rain again. It was very frustrating – we didn’t pick up as many points as we would’ve liked.”