Beaminster boost

AN UNBROKEN 178-run partnership between Simon Jones and Richard Bugler led Beaminster to a vital win in Dorset League Division Two.

In danger of being cut adrift at the wrong end of the table, the second-from-bottom hosts delivered arguably their most impressive display of the season thus far.

And the 48-run victory has seen Will Everitt’s men close to within nine points of Christchurch, who sit one place above in eighth.

Jones (88 not out) and Bugler (86 not out) propelled the home side to 240-2 at the Memorial Ground before the Beaminster bowlers restricted the visitors to 192-7 in reply.

The winning skipper said: “I’m delighted with such a fantastic win and team performance.

“Simon Jones and Richard Bugler showed real class in dominating the crease and Tom Goatly and Ross Baker followed up with an outstanding first spell, in which Christchurch could only manage 12 runs from their first 10 overs whilst also losing two wick- ets.”

Batting first, the hosts made a competent start before Fred Everitt (38) and Nick David (10) departed with the score on 62.

Their dismissals were offset by the superb partnership of Jones and Bugler, who proved immovable forces at the crease.

And their fantastic contributions ensured Christchurch were left with a difficult task in reply.

Needing 241 for victory, the away side lost opening duo James Dugan (4) and Tony Robinson (0) with just six runs on the board.

J Adams (24) and Ben Rayner (20) steadied the ship but with Ross Baker (1-28), Tom Goatly (2-27), Paul Martin (2-53) and Rich Runyard (2-28) all in good form, wickets continued to fall.

A seventh-wicket stand of 86 between Jacob Dear (54) and Tom Jeans (27) gave the visitors hope but with the former falling victim to Goatly, and the final over drawing ever closer, the writing was already on the wall. And Beaminster were soon celebrating only their third triumph of the summer.

Will Everitt’s side now prepare to visit second-placed Shillingstone in their next outing.