DORSET tourists Brockenhurst proved far too strong for an under-strength Belstone side in an early-season friendly at the end of April.

For Belstone only Richard Drake (46) and Tom Fogerty (47) offered much resistance as opening bowler Boswell took five wickets for just 20 runs. Needing 128 to win the visitors knocked off the runs in 27 overs thanks to Beeson (45 not out) and man-of-the-match Boswell (42).

Watched by a coachload of bemused Swiss tourists and a few wild goats, Belstone began their Division Two campaign in the North Devon League with one of their biggest ever victories, thumping a ten-man Lynton and Lynmouth team by 169 runs at the famous Valley of the Rocks ground.

Belstone batted first and enjoyed one of those all-too-rare occasions when most of the batsmen contributed significantly with stand-out performances in the middle order from skipper Richard Drake (67), and towards the close from Tom Fogerty (55 not out), who put on an unbroken 77 for the eighth wicket (Belstone's second highest eighth wicket stand) with Simon Tremain (25 not out). The final total of 259 for seven was the Club's fifth highest ever.

The visitors fared just as well when it came to bowling with Ryan Dennis leading the attack with three for nine from seven overs, well supported by the off-spin of Callum Mallett (6.4-0-16-3).

Only three Lynton batsmen reached double figures, Phil Woods took three catches and the innings was wrapped up in the 26th over.