BEAMINSTER 149 (10pts) lost to SWANAGE 153-9 (20pts) by one wicket

BEAMINSTER pushed Swanage all the way before succumbing by just one wicket in a thrilling County Division One climax.

Beaminster skipper Ross Baker won the toss and batted first but the hosts were in big trouble as only Tom Fowler (16) made double figures in the top six, Ryan Stearn taking 3-10.

Step forward captain Ross Baker, who made a swashbuckling 72 featuring seven fours and four maximums.

He was given good assistance by Ollie Bareham (27) as Swanage eventually bowled Beaminster out for 149.

The Swans’ reply was immediately rocked by 4-16 from the reliable Simon Jones, while Paul Edwards (2-38) also weighed in with important wickets.

However, a match-winning innings from skipper Ben Hodder (55) thwarted Beaminster’s mission to win, despite 2-13 from Bareham.

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Speaking to the Bridport News, Baker said: “It was a really good game to finish on, really competitive and right down to our last couple of overs.

“They just managed to crawl over the line but a good game, good crowd and everyone enjoyed it.

“It was looking at bit bleak at 40-odd for seven but we got a competitive score in the end and they struggled to chase it.”

Beaminster finish the season bottom of the table and will drop to County Division Two in 2022.