BEAMINSTER 195 (19pts) beat POOLE TOWN III 110 (6pts) by 85 runs

BEAMINSTER gained their first away victory of the season with ease at Whitecliff Rec thanks to Ali Crawford’s excellent innings of 79 against Poole Town Thirds.

After losing the toss and then both openers in the first four overs, Beaminster’s innings was rescued by Crawford and skipper Ross Baker.

They shared an entertaining 89-run partnership, including a dozen boundaries and a huge six by Crawford over long on.

Despite appearing to get an inside edge, Baker was adjudged leg before as Poole started to fight back.

Four quick wickets, including Crawford’s, then followed as Beaminster’s middle order wobbled.

However, the promoted Nick Hollely (30) batted sensibly with the young tail and ensured Beaminster set a challenging total on a bouncy and sometimes unpredictable surface.

The visitors were delighted to close on 194 when the final wicket was taken in the 45th over.

Poole’s Christopher Nutt was the pick of the hosts’ attack, picking up four wickets for just 27 runs.

There were also neat spells for Rob Franks 2-41 and opening bowler Mark Allen 2-24 Poole’s reply started positively as the home side’s top order played their shots.

Although runs flowed from the bat wickets also tumbled as Crawford took 2-23 and Hollely 1-20.

However, after changing ends, Ross Baker returned to the attack and found steep bounce and carry to unsettle the Poole Town batsmen.

He swung the game the visitors’ way taking 4-32 as only Rob Hellawell (40) showed any resistance.

On his debut, it was left to William Moss to take the final wicket in the 25th over as, in the end, Beaminster won comfortably.

The victory, Beaminster’s fifth from 12 completed games this term, means they sit sixth in the division with 140 points.