POOLE TOWN III 164 (4pts) lost to BEAMINSTER 168-2 (20pts) by eight wickets

BEAMINSTER made a positive start to their season in County Division Three with a convincing eight-wicket victory over Poole at Whitecliff Rec.

The hosts were put in and struggled against some tight bowling by Beaminster’s opening bowlers.

First change bowler William Moss (2-34) then bowled an excellent spell and continued to apply pressure. Ali Crawford also bowled well, picking up 2-26 from eight overs.

After a short opening burst, captain Ross Baker returned in the middle overs to take three wickets in one excellent triple wicket over.

Although the lower order rallied, Beaminster restricted their hosts to a below par score of 164-9 from 45 overs. Francis Medley and Pete Bustin took a wicket each and there were catches for Lewis Keenan and Chris Park.

Beaminster’s reply started badly as opener Lewis Keenan was run out without facing a ball.

However, Chris Park (81no) and Ali Crawford (61) then shared a superb 142-run partnership.

They both ran well between the wickets and scored freely, capitalising on loose deliveries.

Park’s innings included 15 boundaries while Crawford hit 10 boundaries. Beaminster reached their target in the 31st over, as Leo Gurd (13no) hit the winning runs.

n Beaminster face their first home game on Saturday when they host Kingston Lacy.