BEAMINSTER 190-6 (19pts) beat SWANAGE 180 (10pts) by 10 runs

BEAMINSTER claimed a potentially crucial ten-run win over Swanage to raise hopes of survival in County Division One.

Chris Park’s side now sit 12 points behind the Swans, who are in the final safe position of eighth.

Beaminster are in turn sitting ninth, 17 points ahead of bottom side Hamworthy Rec with the two set for a mouthwatering meeting at Magna Road on Saturday (1pm).

In addition, only 20 points covers Wimborne Seconds in fifth to Beaminster with only four games remaining.

READ MORE: Beaminster lose to Stalbridge by 166 runs

Against Swanage, Beaminster needed unbeaten knocks from James Handford (55no) and James Edmunds (42no) to help them post 190-6 from 45 overs.

Nick Hollely (2-44) returned from a long-term knee injury to take two early wickets, although Swanage stabilised the innings thanks to Ben Hodder (37) and Tom Wells (27).

Paul Edwards (1-27) and Ben Fry then removed both men and Handford continued his excellent game with the crucial wicket of Craig Wells (24).

His dismissal allowed the pace of Fry (4-15) to pick up the Swanage tail despite Mike Hernandez (16no) and Ryan Stearn (12) carrying the Swans to within ten of Beaminster’s total.

Speaking to the Bridport News after collecting a third win from 14 matches, Park said: “I’m really satisfied, especially as we were 96-6 at one point.

“I actually ended up being disappointed that we only made 190, we only scored five runs in the final two overs.

“It was a great effort by Jack and James, they rescued us.”

Park added: “Ben was magnificent with the ball, taking 4-15. Their main man is Craig Wells and when we managed to dismiss him it felt like it was ours to win.

“I’m really pleased with the bowlers for the job they did.”

Looking ahead to Hamworthy, Park said: “It’s a massive game. Pretty much every game from here is a cup final, we’ll treat every game as if it’s our last.

“Hopefully results go for us in other games but we can only control what we can control.”

Beaminster are without skipper Park (broken rib), Ben Golledge his replacement.

Beaminster: Golledge, W Moss, Runyard, Jones, A Moss, Handford, Baker, Edmunds, Fry, Hollely, Edwards.