Everitt half-century boosts Beaminster

FRED Everitt produced a wonderful half-century to lead Beaminster to a crucial win over Ferndown Wayfarers at the Memorial Ground in Dorset League Division Two.

The hosts began the day bottom of the table but they defied that position by producing a stunning all-round performance to succeed by a comprehensive margin of 116 runs.

Everitt led the onslaught with the bat alongside Nick David and Simon Jones before Murray Legg, skipper Ross Baker and spinner Mark Barber completed the job with the ball.

Baker said: “We elected to bat on a hard surface in sweltering heat after winning the toss and lost Richard Runyard early on to a brilliant catch in the gulley.

“However, Fred then continued his fine start to the season with some elegant strokes in an excellent partnership with Nick.

“They put on 121 for the second wicket until Nick was bowled for 48.

“We then lost a couple of quick wickets in succession after that as we attempted to accelerate the run rate before Fred was dismissed for a well made 55, leaving us on 151-5.

“The middle order then played positively and hit some boundaries with Russell Hurford smashing a quickfire 15 and Simon (33 not out) and Colin Lloyd (22) both playing well to ensure that we closed on an imposing total of 230-7 off 45 overs.

“In reply, Murray and I bowled aggressively in an attempt to take early wickets and backed up by some excellent catches and fielding, we eventually took complete control of the match.

“Both of us bowled our full allocation of 12 overs each with Murray finishing with 3-50 and myself grabbing 4-42. Mark then finished off the tail, taking 2-9 off 2.2 overs.

“Ferndown never really threatened our total and were all out in the 30th over for 114, giving us a very important win as we look to start climbing away from the drop-zone.”

Beaminster, who now appear to have all their players back available, will no doubt look to follow up this victory with another fine performance at Bere Regis on Saturday.