BEAMINSTER 170 (4pts) lost to WITCHAMPTON 296-3 (20pts) by 126 runs

WINLESS Beaminster endured a tough afternoon in County Division One against Witchampton, losing by 126 runs at the Memorial Ground.

Beaminster were second best in all departments and, when skipper Chris Park won the toss and fielded first, the Witches cashed in.

Batting conditions proved suitable for a big score and the visitors duly made hay, Sam Plater crunching an unbeaten 121 from 127 balls.

He was accompanied by Martin Ashford (48) in a 108-run opening stand, before useful knocks from Alex Bennett and Harrison Bowles (both 21) pushed Witchampton along nicely.

READ MORE: Beaminster lose to Stalbridge by 48 runs

However, Gavin Wayman’s destructive unbeaten 48 from 36 balls, allied to the immovable Plater, ensured Witchampton posted an imposing 296-3 from 45 overs.

Beaminster, left to rue several dropped catches, then lost Park (14) early in the chase.

And the hosts were always under pressure to score quickly, leading to the demise of Will Moss (30), Simon Jones (28) and Ross Baker (23) when the trio had all got themselves in.

Paul Edwards crashed a defiant 17 not out as last man but the Witches bowled Beaminster out for 170 with Bowles (3-19) the pick of the away attack.

Park said: “That was a tough defeat to take, I have to take the blame. I got a lot of things wrong in the field, dropped a couple of catches myself and played a poor shot to get out.

“My fielding changes didn’t go to plan and we were always chasing. My brain got frazzled as we were chasing the ball to all parts and I can’t blame anyone but myself.

“It was probably my worst performance as captain since taking over last year. It was unfortunate it happened in the third game of a season.”

Beaminster now travel to Swanage on Saturday (1pm).

“They’re very strong at home,” Park said. “They know how to play at their place but every side is strong in this league.

“We’ve got a strong side in paper so it’s just getting that first win to prove to ourselves that we can do this. If we play to our potential we can beat them.”

Beaminster are without Jones and Edwards, with Brad Damen (back) and Rich Runyard (broken leg) making their returns.

Beaminster: Park, W Moss, Golledge, Hillier, Jones, A Moss, Baker, Damen, Bareham, Ronan, Hollely.