Weightman’s knock not enough as Beds beaten

The county’s 32-run defeat by Dorset at Dunstable at the weekend has set up an intriguing final round of matches with only Herefordshire, who have won all three of their games so far, definitely through.

Dorset deserved their victory as they they scored runs throughout the order and bowled with much more discipline - apart from three costly overs by Mark Wilson during which he sent down 12 wides.

It was an advantage to bat first, but the Bedfordshire bowlers gave away far too many easy runs.

The accuracy of Will Sneath, who had to pull out because strangely he was required to work for the Bedfordshire Cricket Board, was badly missed.

As it was, Colin Griggs, Chris Esh and Dan Bendon all went for more than 50, Bendon from 10 overs and the other two from nine.

Fortunately, Andy McGarry was more accurate, conceding just 23 runs from his 10 overs, while Martin Weightman was the most successful bowler with 3-43.

It was 19-year-old Weightman who almost pulled things round with the bat, smashing 73 to get Bedfordshire within 32 runs of the Dorset score of 254.

That target was always going to be difficult and when Bendon (8), Dan Simpson (22), Steve Stubbings (18) and Andy Reynoldson (18) were all out, followed by Olivery Clayson and George Thurstance for ducks, it looked way out of reach on 87-6.

But Weightman, first in partnership with George Arblaster, who made 19, and then Griggs (26), kept blazing away and he was last out having hit two sixes and eight fours in his innings, lasting just 85 balls.

Oxfordshire are currently in second place in the group, but they have completed their fixtures.

That leaves Beds and also Dorset and Hertfordshire, who play each other on Sunday, all on two points.

In theory then three counties could end up on four points, in which case the second qualifying place would be decided on run-rate.

Unfortunately Bedfordshire trail in this department at the moment, so they not only have to beat the leaders, they have to do so by a big margin.

Scores: Dorset 254-7. Bedfordshire 222.