Beaminster

Beaminster: Lindsay, S

Stuart Lindsay answered his captain's call in emphatic fashion against Portland Red Triangle in Dorset Division One. The seamer, drafted in from the seconds to add experience to a misfiring bowling attack, bagged four wickets in a superb 10-over spell at the Memorial Ground. His performance ensured Beaminster successfully defended 274-8 against the struggling islanders.

After winning the toss Simon Jones had no hesitation in choosing to bat on his home turf. And after Sam Polley had removed Chris Park the home side began to assert their authority on the game. Ben Freke and Richard Bugler punished the Portland bowling attack - that once again contained Gary Randell and Jason Styles - in a stand of 57.

Freke was dismissed for 41 and when Jones and Julian Davies quickly followed Portland had regained some momentum at 104-4.But Bugler, in his best knock of the campaign, was not about to let his hard work go to waste. He shared a stand of 94 with Russ Hurford to put Beaminster back on top.

Both Hurford and Bugler were both eventually removed by Chris Skinner but the home side were not finished there. Excellent stroke making from Will Scott and Ross Baker at the end of the innings ensured they posted a formidable score of 274.

Surprisingly, with more than a run a ball required Jon Dixon, the scourge of Bridport, did not open the batting. Instead David Males and Skinner got the visitors off to a steady start but when they were dismissed Lindsay took control. He had Simon Barrett and Dixon both caught for 30 before taking a smart return catch to send Randell packing for 24. Then when he completed his set by clean bowling Ben Doidge, Portland were in real trouble at 138-6.

Dogged defending from the islanders prevented Beaminster collecting maximum points but there was still time for Scott and Jones to pick up another wicket each. Lindsay's return to the first team could not have had a greater impact. He conceded just 31 runs off his 10 overs - a spell that on its own would have prevented any team chasing a target of 275.

And with his wickets gradually chipping away at the Portland confidence he gave Jones the reliability and consistency his bowling attack had been lacking. Proof of the improvements were evident in the 38 extras they shaved off last week's performance at Marnhull.

Losing skipper Barrett said: "The wicket played very well and their total of 274 was a good one. But had we not conceded 31 wides and had a bit more luck then 240 would have been our target.

"They got off to a bit of a flyer although Jon Dixon bowled a great spell and to concede just 24 runs in such a large total shows just how well he bowled. "It was disappointing when we batted that so many of our batsmen got beyond 15 but none were able to get up to the 70 or 80 required to give us the chance of a win."

Beaminster 19, PRT 8