BEAMINSTER 255 (22pts) beat STURMINSTER & HINTON 205 (11pts) by 50 runs

BEAMINSTER sealed promotion back to County Division One at the first attempt with a 50-run success over Sturminster & Hinton at the Memorial Ground.

Going into the game, Beaminster required just three points to confirm their return to a division they were relegated from in 2021.

They duly took the maximum 22 after setting Stur 256 to win.

After captain Chris Park (30) and Will Moss (37) had built a solid foundation, Ross Baker (70) and Adam Moss (48) hit three sixes each in excellent innings.

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Dan Hillier (24) hit five boundaries and a score in excess of 300 looked achievable until Rob Hookins (5-47) took a late fifer to help bowl Beaminster out for 255.

Laurence Moore (41) and Chris Reed (36) resisted Beaminster’s attack as wickets were shared around.

Once they departed, only Henry Porter (27) and James Green (18no) breached double figures as a healthy 50 extras contributed to Stur claiming full batting points.

That was mere consolation as Beaminster, led by 4-38 from Nick Hollely, bowled their opponents out for 205 to secure promotion.

Park told the Bridport News: “They were a good side. They got their points that they needed to stay and we got the points we needed for promotion, so everyone was happy.

“I couldn’t be more pleased. I certainly didn’t expect that at the start of the season. I was probably open to mid-table security but it just shows the effort that was put in and commitment.

“To have my 11 sorted on a Monday morning every game this season is pretty special. I’ve got to say thanks to the players for making themselves so committed.

“It’s down to them that we’re getting the promotion.”

Beaminster can still win the title but need to gain 14 points over Chalke Valley in Saturday’s final game against Shaftesbury at Shroton (1.30pm) – played at a neutral venue due to safety concerns at Shaftesbury’s pitch.

Park said: “While there’s still hope of us going up as champions, there would be nothing worse if we don’t take it seriously, lose, and it turns out we could’ve been champions, it would put a downer on the end of the season.

“We’ll be looking to put one last effort in before a celebration on Saturday night!”

Beaminster: Park, W Moss, Baker, A Moss, Golledge, Hillier, Jones, Edmunds, Bareham, Hollely, Edwards.