BEAMINSTER 86 (4pts) lost to PUDDLETOWN 187-8 (19pts) by 101 runs

PUDDLETOWN recorded an impressive 101-run victory in County Division Two to close the gap on previous leaders Beaminster to just four points, with only four fixtures of the season remaining.

After losing the toss, Puddletown were put in to bat at the Memorial Ground but were instantly on the back foot, as opening bowlers Nick Holley (3-25) and Daniel Swift (1-18) bowled well with the new ball.

The first wicket to fall was Lucas Allen (5), who was trapped lbw by Holley, followed shortly after by dangerman James Mitchel (14) in the same way.

Despite a minor recovery from Alby Stevens (26) and Adam Barrett (12), disaster struck again for the visitors when both batsman were dismissed in consecutive overs, leaving Puddletown in big trouble on 52-4 from 18 overs.

After the loss of several key early wickets, Puddletown all-rounders Adam Weir and Rob Snow (26) batted cautiously in the middle orders, bringing the score past the hundred mark in the 32nd over.

Just as the pair began to accelerate, the returning Daniel Swift broke the dangerous partnership when he had Snow caught at fly slip from a well-directed bouncer.

After some late hitting from the lower order, Puddletown finished on a below par but defendable total of 187-8, largely thanks to the resilient Adam Weir’s innings of 53.

After the tea break, Puddletown knew that early wickets were critical if they were to have chance of defending their total.

What neither team were expecting however, was the spell that followed from Callum Chaldecott, who effectively ended the contest within his first five overs.

After dismissing Richard Runyard (2) in his second over, this proved the catalyst for the seamer as he proceeded to run riot. Within the space of his first five overs, Chaldecott secured six of the first seven Beaminster wickets, including the key wicket of overseas player Daniel Swift for a golden duck.

Duly supported by the miserly Dave Morris (0-26) at the other end, on top of some excellent fielding, Puddletown had reduced Beaminster to 42-7 inside just 18 overs, sending the travelling

Puddletown supporters into raptures.

Despite some late order resistance from Nick Holley (11) and David Persey (16), Puddletown eventually wrapped up the Beaminster innings on 86, securing an excellent victory which leaves the race for Division Two promotion wide open approaching the latter end of the season.

Puddletown captain Adam Barrett admitted he was delighted with his side’s performance, labelling Chaldecott’s spell as ‘the best he’s ever seen’ on a cricket field.

Barrett said: “It’s hard to put into word’s just how good Callum’s bowling was. Without a doubt it’s the best spell I have ever seen on a cricket field. To take six wickets you obviously have to bowl well, but to do it playing away against top of the league in a must-win fixture, that’s special. “As well as Callum bowled though, it’s important to recognise the job that Weir did with the bat. He went in at a difficult time and batted brilliantly to guide us out of trouble, so him along with Snowy, Eastment and Duncan all deserve credit.”

In Division Six, Puddletown Seconds continued their impressive run of form with a convincing victory over Winton. Mikey Crabb (104) starred with the bat, which was backed up to Kieron Knight (4-20) with the ball to secure a 20-point victory.

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