BEAMINSTER 206-7 (14pts) lost to CHARLTON DOWN 208-9 (19pts) by one wicket

BEAMINSTER were narrowly edged out by a single wicket as Charlton Down completed the double over their west Dorset rivals in County Division Two.

Chris Park’s second-placed side did take nine wickets in defence of their total, meaning losing bonus points came their way, boosting their tally to 14.

However, they lost seven points to leaders Chalke Valley, who claimed 21 from their win at Sturminster & Hinton.

With two games to go, if Chalke outscore Beaminster by eight points this weekend they will become champions.

READ MORE: Beaminster beaten by title rivals Chalke Valley

Beaminster needed a tremendous 65 from Dan Hillier, including 11 fours and a six, to fire them over 200, with only Park (21), Adam Moss (26) and Rich Runyard (22no) surpassing 20.

Some 33 extras helped as the hosts posted 206-7 from 45 overs.

Down were coasting to victory at 161-3 in their reply as Jack Eveleigh (43) and Matt Stevens (67) did the majority of the damage.

But a fine 3-23 from promising leg-spinner Ollie Bareham helped haul the hosts back into it and Charlton Down still needed six to win when the ninth wicket fell.

Lewis Harrington (2no) and Mark Homewood (6no) were the last men standing and the latter managed to find the boundary to send Beaminster to defeat in a gripping finale.

Park said: “For the first time this season we looked tired and didn’t play our best, especially our batting.

“To make it as close as we did was credit to our bowlers.

“Without Dan’s 65 it would’ve been over a lot quicker. Credit to Charlton Down, they bowled well, set their fields well and deserved the win.”

Beaminster will seal promotion by taking just three points at home to Sturminster & Hinton on Saturday (1.30pm), regardless of Parley Seconds’ result.

Park added: “Hopefully we get promoted but it’s been a great season.

“We’re not the greatest side we just pull together. We’ll keep going. We’re looking forward to it, they’ve certainly come on in the second half of the season.

“We’re going to have to be on our mettle again and we’ll turn up looking to get those points required.”

Simon Jones (ankle) and Jonathan Gudge miss out but Nick Hollely and James Edmunds return.

Beaminster: Park, W Moss, Golledge, A Moss, Baker, Hillier, Runyard, Edmunds, Edwards, Bareham, Hollely.