BEAMINSTER 279-5 (17pts) beat WIMBORNE & COLEHILL III 212-5 (7pts) by 67 runs

BEAMINSTER took full advantage of their opponents’ decision to field first by hitting their biggest total of the season en route to victory in County Division Three.

The hosts’ win was also their third in succession and one which keeps them in touch with the top four sides in the table.

They now go to Kingston Lacy, the team immediately below them in the standings, this weekend with a seventh success this summer in their sights.

On an excellent surface for batting at the Memorial Playing Fields, the Beaminster openers made a very positive start last Saturday having been put into bat.

Dan Hillier looked in great touch as he hit three maximums in a fluent 57, while Hugh Rathbone weighed in with 49 in a first-wicket stand of 101.

However, when Wimborne spinner T Bartlett took three quick wickets and Rathbone departed to C Rimmer, Beaminster looked liked squandering their early advantage.

But the innings was transformed by an entertaining 67-run partnership between the Everitt brothers.

Fred dominated with a quickfire 64, which included eight fours and three sixes, in his only appearance for the club this season.

Will (30 not out) was later joined by Dave Persey (15 not out) and they both ensured the home side took full advantage of the conditions.

T Bartlett was the pick of the Wimborne attack with 3-57 as C Power (1-32) and Rimmer (1-42) also chipped in.

The Wimborne reply was stifled by accurate bowling from Ross Baker, who conceded 13 runs from nine overs and took one wicket, and Will Everitt (2-25).

But rather than collapsing, Rimmer (111) and Bartlett (60 not out) shared a 156-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Although Beaminster's total was never in danger, the Wimborne pair ensured respectability and gave few chances to the home fielders.

Rimmer was eventually trapped lbw by Aidey Phillips (1-45) and Wimborne eventually fell 67 runs short of their target.

The other Beaminster wicket taker was Adam Herring (1-52) with Fred Everitt and Arthur Gay taking two important catches.

Meanwhile, Beaminster’s second XI were due to be in action against one of Wimborne & Colehill’s teams in Division Six.

However, Wimborne’s fourth team scratched the encounter, giving Beaminster the full complement of 20 points and being deducted 40 themselves.

Parley Fifths travel to Beaminster Seconds this Saturday.