Beaminster stay bottom as Swanage swoop

BEAMINSTER remain rooted to the bottom of the County Division One table after a 95-run defeat at Swanage.

Ross Baker’s men had a number of injuries going into the clash but fought admirably against a Swanage side who capitalised on winning the toss.

Deciding to bat on what quickly appeared to be a belting batting track, the Swans piled on the runs with opener Mike Nash (98) falling desperately short of a century.

His knock was well supported by John Lewis (35), skipper Ben Hodder (33) and Craig Wells (31) as Swanage reached 233-7 from 40 overs.

Beaminster’s reply was anchored by Dan Hillier (53), the in-form opener again among the runs after his 49 against Hamworthy last week.

Only Will (20) and Adam Moss (19) could climb into double figures thereafter as spinner Steve Kent (5-20) helped bowl the visitors out for 138.

READ MORE: Hamworthy storm past Beaminster

Baker told the Bridport News: “It was a tough day. Swanage, their opening pair batted very well, got stuck in and built a solid foundation for the rest of the order.

“We battled really hard in the field and struggled to take wickets but no complaints about our team effort.”

On the batting, Baker added: “It was good to see Will and Dan forging a solid opening partnership. They’ve done well over the last couple of games.

“We’ve needed that strong start, but we were always behind the rate and it was difficult for the other batsmen to come in and tee off.

“The target was just too much but it was good to see us put up a fight.”

Beaminster now travel to Crichel Park to face Witchampton on Saturday (1.30pm).

“We’ve always had battles against Witchampton,” Baker said.

“It’s not an easy place to go. The wicket can be a little unpredictable and there are quite low-scoring games normally.

“We’ve been bowling quite well so if we can restrict them, bowl tight lines we can then knock them off.”

James Edmunds (side), Nick Hollely (hand) and Chris Park (back) are all injured, with Henry Everitt unavailable.