Beaminster 149 (6pts) lost to WITCHAMPTON 118-6 (19pts) by four wickets on a reduced target ROSS Baker hailed his side’s display in the field as their best of the season thus far – but the search for a maiden victory in Dorset League Division Two continues.

Despite arriving late at the Memorial Ground due to heavy traffic, Witchampton managed to skittle the hosts for 149.

Heavy drizzle had interrupted the home innings, meaning the visitors were set a reduced target of 118 off 30 overs.

And although experiencing a sticky start, the away side reached their goal with four wickets and 5.2 overs to spare.

However, Beaminster’s skipper maintained a positive frame of mind in the face of defeat, highlighting some impressive individual displays as cause for optimism.

They included Murray Legg recording figures of 7-3-14-2 and a decent knock of 32 from Simon Jones in tricky conditions.

Baker said: “It was frustrating to lose but the positive is that it was a close game. We bowled and fielded really well – the best we have done this season – so there were a lot more positives than in previous games.

“A few players chipped in with runs and although it wasn’t enough it wasn’t easy to bat in damp conditions.

“It was difficult to get a start and a lot of people didn’t get starts but it was one of those wickets where you needed a bit of luck.

“In their reply, myself and Simon put the pressure on straight away. The only runs they were getting were edges and half-chances.

“Their number three, M Patel, had so many edges and balls that didn’t go to hand that he could have been out so many times.

“We’ll just keep battling away and try to do our best.”

On the subject of Legg’s performance, Baker added: “Murray has been captain of the second team but is definitely a first-team player, so I’m hoping he can play a lot more for us.”

The game got underway 20 minutes late with Witchamp-ton conceding the toss as a result of their tardiness.

The hosts opted to bat under dark skies and lost openers Richie Runyard (10) and Nick David (11) with the score on 57.

Jones’ positive approach inc-reased the run-rate dramatically, until the rain halted proceedings.

Another 18 runs were added as play resumed before two quick wickets, including that of Jones, left Beaminster on 85-4.

Baker led by example with an aggressive 28 but wickets were now falling regularly.

Only debutant Steve Garland (10) managed double figures as the rest of the tail were blown away by M Rose (5-14).

Jones (2-47) and Baker’s (2-25) pressure at the start of Witchampton’s reply brought early rewards but M Patel (37), although riding his luck, hit a succession of boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

And despite the best efforts of Legg, R Price (29 not out) dispatched any loose deliveries to secure victory.