Beaminster 129 (6pts) lost to SWANAGE 171-8 (20pts) by 42 runs

MISERABLE batting from Beaminster’s top-order saw their woes continue against Swanage at the Memorial Ground in Dorset League Division Two.

The basement boys reduced their opponents to 53-6 before backs-to-the-wall resistance from Ben Baczala (39 not out), Ricky King (38) and Paul Norman (32) turned the tables and enabled the visitors to set a challenging target of 171-8.

Having let their hold on the game slip, the hosts then lost their first four wickets for a paltry 12 runs and although Colin Lloyd (40) did everything he could to resurrect the innings the damage had already been done.

Losing skipper Ross Baker, whose men were eventually knocked over for just 129, said: “We won the toss and were delighted to put them in on a damp green wicket with perfect overhead conditions for swing bowling.

“Joe Hawkins (2-35) took two early wickets, which included a sharp catch from Nick David in the gulley, and at the other end I (1-9 from 12 overs) attempted to apply pressure by bowling full and straight with movement.

“Murray Legg (4-49) then came on and continued the good work and before long we had Swanage in trouble on 53-6.

“However, they then staged a recovery with some stubborn batting in the middle-order and began to take advantage of any stray deliveries.

“Chris Park and Mark Barber both took fabulous catches but in the last five overs both our bowling and fielding wilted under pressure as Swanage went on to finish with an unlikely high total of 171-8.

“Our top-order then failed miserably leaving us stranded on 12-4 before Colin Lloyd took up the challenge and single-handedly began to fight back. He made an excellent 40 but although Murray and Mark went on to score runs at the end, the damage had already been done and to be honest we were never really in the hunt.”

Marooned at the bottom of the table, Beaminster desperately need a change of fortunes over the next few weeks, starting with the visit of Ferndown Wayfarers Seconds this coming weekend when Simon Jones, Adam Herring, Fred Everitt and Will Everitt are all expected to return.