BEAMINSTER 154-6 (6pts) lost to MARNHULL 158-4 (18pts) by six wickets

BEAMINSTER are still looking for their first County Division One win of the season despite putting up a valiant effort against Marnhull at the Memorial Ground.

After losing the toss, Beaminster were inserted into bat in difficult conditions, but opener Chris Park (18) countered on any loose deliveries as Beaminster reached 52 off 10 overs.

Will Moss (25) again anchored the innings for Beaminster despite some tight bowling from Marnhull during the middle overs.

Simon Jones (26) played positively looking to up the scoring rate towards the end and late cameos from Ross Baker (17) and James Edmunds (31no) meant that Beaminster had reached 154-6 from their 40 overs.

Luck was not on Beaminster’s side when they came to field with several opportunities not falling in the home side’s favour.

Edmunds bowled a tight opening spell with three maidens in a row as Beaminster applied pressure early on to the Marnhull openers and kept the scoring rate down.

READ MORE: Witches have Beaminster in trouble

However, finding the breakthrough was proving difficult with dropped catches and numerous chances falling short of the fielders.

Paul Edwards (2-21) continued his good form and provided the breakthrough Beaminster were after with a ball that turned sharply and bowled the opening batsman.

Ashley Young (56) batted well and played a number of attacking shots, including five fours and three sixes, on his way to 50 taking Marnhull to 103-2 before being dismissed by Edwards.

Despite Moss taking a wicket after a superb catch from Oli Bareham on the boundary as well as a run out via a direct hit from Henry Everitt, Marnhull cruised home with five overs remaining.

Baker said: “We had the worst of the conditions, there’s no doubt about it.

“We thought 150 would be a minimum score but we were quite happy to get 150 considering the way the pitch played. It was quite tough going.

“We batted sensibly and formed some good partnerships throughout.

“When they batted, conditions definitely improved. The sun came out, the pitch dried up quite nicely. I can’t fault any of the players, we stuck at the task really well.

“It was one of our strongest performances so far this season but we didn’t have any luck.

“We were missing the outside edge and catches weren’t going to hand.”

Baker hopes luck will change for Saturday’s game at Compton House (1.30pm).

He said: “It’s probably one of our strongest teams this season, so that’s good news.

“We just need to persevere and keep our standards. If we get a bit of luck, that win will be around the corner.”

Beaminster make two changes, with Nick Hollely (hand) fit again and Dan Hillier available. Ben Holley and Jack Hansford miss out.

Beaminster: Hillier, Park, A Moss, W Moss, Jones, Baker, Edmunds, N Hollely, Bareham, Edwards, H Everitt.