POOLE TOWN III 152-8 (5pts) lost to BEAMINSTER 154-4 (19pts) by 6 wickets

BEAMINSTER secured a vital victory in their County Division Three relegation battle against Poole Town Thirds.

Dave Persey was the hero for Beaminster as his inspired bowling figures of 6-25 restricted the hosts to a below-par score of 152 from 45 overs.

After winning the toss, Poole surprisingly elected to bat on an extremely wet wicket.

But despite the difficult conditions and good bowling from Beaminster's opening attack, the Poole batsmen scored freely.

Change bowlers Aidey Phillips and Simon Jones were the first to strike as they dismissed the Poole openers.

The duo proceeded to bowl excellent spells with Jones only conceding 12 runs from his nine overs.

Although Poole's middle order battled well, Persey turned the game on its head when he was introduced.

He ripped the heart out of Poole's batting line up, recorded his best ever figures in the process.

In reply, Beaminster lost Hugh Rathbone (0) and Jones (5) early on before Rich Runyard (54) and Ross Baker (34) compiled an excellent 75-run partnership.

Runyard scored his first half-century of the season and looked in fine touch.

Baker dug in and played a vital role before being needlessly run out by Will Everitt (35 not out).

Despite this setback, Adam Herring (10 not out) joined Everitt and they calmly ensured Beaminster reached their target in the 41st over.

Beaminster’s win takes them 27 points clear of second bottom Poole in the table with one game left.

Meanwhile, Division Six champions Bere Regis Seconds saw off Beaminster Seconds by six wickets.