BEAMINSTER 120 (3pts) lost to PORTLAND RT 121-3 (20pts) by seven wickets

BEAMINSTER require a large swing in results to avoid the County Division One drop after a seven-wicket defeat to Portland Red Triangle.

Beaminster need eighth-placed Witchampton to scratch a match in order to survive, with two sides being relegated.

Ross Baker’s men were not helped by the weather against Portland.

With covers laid to prevent rain prior to and during match day getting onto the playing strip, conditions favoured the bowlers.

That meant the toss was crucial and Portland duly won and fielded first – leading to a difficult day for the home batsmen.

Openers Chris Park (12) and Adam Moss (16) were the only players to reach double figures.

READ MORE: Beaminster beaten by champions elect Puddletown

They were joined by a fine 39 off 41 balls from Tom Fowler.

However, wickets fell frequently as Matt Randell (3-18), Jon Cameron (3-22) and Jack Marsh (3-26) all claimed three victims.

In reply, Dave Adkins (51no) anchored the chase of 121, while a late unbeaten 33 from Chris Theakstone helped Portland over the line after Ollie Bareham had taken 2-28.

Beaminster visit Stalbridge on Saturday (1.30pm) and Baker is keen to finish the season as well as possible in the three remaining games. 

He said: “They’re a strong side and we haven’t done particularly well against them recently.

“We’ll be doing our best to give them a good game. They’ve struggled recently with a few defeats, which is quite surprising.

“We’ll have to go down there, be positive and give them a good game.

“We just want to have competitive games, that’s the aim for us.”

Beaminster: Park, A Moss, Baker, Fowler, O Bareham, Edwards, H Everitt, A Everitt, G Moss, Hollely, AN Other.