WEYMOUTH SECONDS 113 (2pts) lost to BEAMINSTER 114-2 (20pts) by 8 wickets

AN EXCELLENT bowling performance saw Beaminster record a vital victory over Weymouth Seconds in County Division Three.

Beaminster went into the game desperate for a win after four successive defeats had seen them slip down the table.

Having won the toss and opted to field first, the hosts applied plenty of pressure as the new ball swung and seamed.

Ross Baker (1-7) took the first wicket in the first over, Tony Quayle going for a duck, and then bowled unchanged, conceding just seven runs from his nine overs.

He was unfortunate not take further wickets as he beat the bat consistently throughout his economical spell.

After the magnificent early pressure of the Beaminster bowlers, Weymouth struggled to 50 in 20 overs.

Luke Lovett and Dom Webb scored 19 and 21 respectively but the visitors couldn’t accelerate the scoring.

When Aidey Phillips (4-17) and Adam Herring (3-22) were introduced to the attack they immediately started to take wick- ets.

Tom Steadman and Ross Pettitt went without scoring a run between them, and Beaminster’s fielding was sharp with Baker and Rich Runyard both taking important catches.

Francis Medley joined the party and also took a wicket as Weymouth were bowled out for 113 in the 44th over.

And if it hadn’t been for Joe James (26 not out) and Ryan Sers (25), Weymouth’s total would have been a lot lower.

Although Beaminster also lost a wicket in the first over, Runyard being caught by Quayle off James without scoring, Hugh Rathbone (14 not out) and Will Everitt (32) rebuilt the innings.

When Everitt was dismissed by Jack Sapworth, Ross Baker hit an explosive 32, including seven boundaries, to finish the game in style.

For Beaminster, they next face a trip to bottom side Wareham on Saturday, their opponents having been soundly beaten by Sturminster Marshall last time out.

Weymouth, who have now lost seven of their nine league fixtures this term, visit Wimborne & Colehill Thirds this week- end and will be hopeful of ending the run.

Meanwhile, Beaminster Seconds host Blandford Thirds after losing by 155 runs at Marnhull Seconds.