MARNHULL 176 (20pts) beat BEAMINSTER 124 (7pts) by 52 runs

BEAMINSTER slipped to a 52-run loss at Marnhull despite a five-wicket haul from teenager Will Moss in Dorset ‘Thank You NHS’ League Division Two.

Moss had come on to wreak havoc in Marnhull’s middle and lower order, but Beaminster failed to capitalise on a strong position and were dismissed for 124.

Having won the toss, electing to bat, Marnhull lost openers Zach Caunt (4) and Ashley Young (21).

Marnhull rebuilt through Alf Symons and Josh Mackay (16) until the latter was bowled by away skipper Ross Baker (1-40).

Symons (59) passed 50 and home captain Paul Woodrow blasted 36 from 25 balls as Marnhull’s batsmen preyed upon a tiring Beaminster attack.

However, the introduction of Moss turned the tide in the visitors’ favour as the swing bowler removed both batsmen at 151-5.

Moss then brilliantly ran through the tail, collecting the wickets of Edwin Ralph (5), Will Primrose (9) and Dom Salzano (1) as Marnhull perished for 176, Nick Hollely (2-12) also bowling impressively.

Beaminster lost Baker (1) early in their reply but rattled up to 20-1 as Caunt (2-22) conceded a staggering 18 wides.

Marnhull then tore through the top order, reducing Beaminster to 26-5 with Will Primose (3-17) their chief tormentor.

Lewis Keenan (21) and Simon Jones (15) recovered to 65-5 but when Marnhull ousted both men the visitors were in big trouble at 78-7, which quickly became 79-9.

Last man Dave Persey battered a defiant unbeaten 36 from 23 balls, including five fours and a six, to push Beaminster over 100 but when Moss (7) fell the visitors’ renaissance was finished.

Speaking to the Bridport News, Baker said: “It was disappointing for us, because we missed out on an opportunity to cause a bit of an upset.

“They had a few players missing. Fielding first seemed to do us in a little bit – it was exceptionally hot.

“We expended so much energy reducing them to a lowish total that when we came to bat our energy levels were quite low and we were undone by the new ball.

“We lost five early wickets and never really recovered. The new ball was doing quite a bit and once the ball got softer batting became a lot easier.”

On the performance of Moss, Baker added: “Will bowled exceptionally well and got us back into the game.

“We were wilting a bit in the heat and he came on to wrap the innings up. We’re very pleased with him.

“Also, our tail batted well, it was good for Dave to top score at 11. That was a good effort from him and it should give him some confidence because he can bat. That will give him a real boost.”