PUDDLETOWN 118 (6pts) v BEAMINSTER 38-1 (10pts) – match abandoned

RAIN robbed Beaminster of the chance to follow up on their “best” bowling performance of the season against Puddletown at Plush.

Chris Park’s men bowled with pace, accuracy and nibble up top after winning the toss and choosing to field first with rain around.

Opener Ben Fry (2-15) and new signing Will Owen (2-47) took care of the top order and were it not for a fluent 37 from Regan Norman, Puddletown might have struggled further.

In the end, he was stumped amid a superb spell of sharp turn from leg-spinner Ollie Bareham (5-26).

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All-rounder Adam Weir (21) and James Morris (16) were the only other batters to contribute (21) significantly as Puddletown were skittled for 118.

Rich Runyard (32) got Beaminster off to a flyer in typical fashion before Ryan Norman (1-8) snuck one through his gate.

However, drizzle turned to persistent rain and the match was abandoned only six overs into the visitors’ reply with the score on 38-1.

Speaking to the Bridport News, Park said: “We got there and it was raining, so we started about 20 minutes late.

“I won the toss and we bowled incredibly well. Ben and Will bowled superbly, both bowled quick, nipped the ball about. It was probably the best opening spell of the season.

“Ollie came on and took 5-26 and put them in all sorts of trouble, spinning the ball.

“We fielded well and it was probably the best performance of the season. I was chuffed to bowl them out for 118.

“I think another 45 minutes and we would’ve got over the line. I’ve got to give credit to Puddletown because they were desperate to finish the game.

“It just rained too much. It’s a kick in the teeth and sums up our season.”

Beaminster are ninth going into this weekend’s clash at home to Stalbridge, coming at the end of the club’s cricket week.

Park said: “They’re a very good side. If we play anywhere near like we did on Saturday we’ll give them a hell of a game. If we get Stuart Sweatman early, the game’s open.”

Beaminster: Runyard, W Moss, Golledge, A Moss, Baker, Park, Bareham, Edmunds, Fry, Owen, Edwards.