FRAMPTON are doing their absolute best to keep in touch with Division Two leaders Snookes Pirates.

The Pirates remain unbeaten at the top of the table but Frampton sit two points behind following a double success in the last week.

And it was a couple of Framp-ton batsmen that stole the show during the team’s wins against Hazelbury Bryan and Cerne Valley.

John Hurford blasted 92 in a resounding 107-run triumph over Hazelbury Bryan, smashing Frampton to a total of 160-5.

Then it was left to Simeon Stewart (4-16) to help skittle out Frampton’s opponents for just 53, Jim Bettle making 15 for the losing side.

Stewart and co backed up that performance with another comprehensive victory against struggling Cerne Valley.

Tom Goatley struck a superb 77 for the visitors as they compiled a competitive total of 153-4 batting first.

But Chas Duerdoth, who had claimed 1-18 earlier in the match, hit the ball to all parts of the ground to finish on 95 not out – Frampton won by nine wickets.

The Pirates, with Dean Janaway (65) to the fore, saw off the challenge of Abbotsbury.

Janaway’s was the only wicket to fall in their score of 157-1, before Simon Mitchem (88) nearly got Abbotsbury over the line only for them to fall 13 runs short.

Puddletown recorded a third win of the season with a 30-run defeat of Plush.

A knock of 67 from Lucas Allen took Puddletown to 136-3 and Adam Weir took 3-11 as their rivals were bowled out for 103.

Weir (2-26) was in the wickets again when his side took on Hazelbury Bryan, but on this occasion Puddletown came out second best. Will Howes’ 77 guided the hosts home after the visitors had mustered 164-8.

In Division Three, Casuals remain in pole position following a routine win over Puddletown RFC, who could only reach 72-9 in reply to 165-6 – Eamonn Scott top-scored with 85.

Charlton Down Seconds and Cattistock Seconds also tasted success, overcoming Winfrith and Cosmos respectively.

Finally, there was yet more woe for Charlton Down in Division One, as the side at the foot of the table lost to leaders St George’s and Dewlish.

RESULTS

Division One: St George’s 85-2 (Jamie Barrett 47no, M Stevens 2-30) beat Charlton Down 84 (Sam Roles 20, Matt King 2-7), Dewlish 157-8 (Steve Hillier 69) beat Charlton Down 112-7 (John Clancy 31, Justin Miller 2-0).

Division Two: Frampton 160-5 (J Hurford 92, Alfie Fitzgerald 3-29) beat Hazelbury Bryan 53 (Jim Bettle 15, Simeon Stewart 4-16), Puddletown 136-3 (Lucas Allen 67, R Edmunds 2-21) beat Plush 106 (Declan Chubb 27, Adam Weir 3-11), Snookes Pirates 157-1 (Dean Janaway 65, Aaron Oliver 1-18) beat Abbotsbury 144 (Simon Mitchem 88, Jones 2-29), Hazelbury Bryan 166-4 (Will Howes 77, Adam Weir 2-26) beat Puddletown 164-8 (Mat Porter 40, Jamie Hart 2-1), Frampton 154-1 (Chas Duerdoth 95no, Rob Baney 1-28) beat Cerne Valley 153-4 (Tom Goatley 77, Chas Duerdoth 1-18).

Division Three: Charlton Down 2nds 95-2 (Jae Miller 38, Andy Day 1-6) beat Winfrith 92-5 (Giles Marsh 24, Pochriniak 2-7), Casuals 165-6 (Eamonn Scott 85, Simon Roberts 4-31) beat Puddletown RFC 72-9 (Ray Stephens 33, Wilson 2-2), Cattistock 2nds 156-4 (Buddy Langford 33, M Sallows 2-40) beat Cosmos 67 (S Tompkins 15, A Hughes 3-10).

FIXTURES

Tonight, Knockout Cup: St George’s v Hazelbury Bryan

Division One: Cattistock v Martinstown, Bere Regis v Charlton Down

Division Two: Cerne Valley v Plush

Division Three: Winfrith v Casuals

Tomorrow, Division Two: Abbotsbury v Hazelbury Bryan

Friday, Knockout Cup: Dewlish v Bere Regis

Division Three: Puddletown Reserves v Cosmos, Cattistock 2nds v Puddletown RFC

Monday, Division One: Martinstown v Bere Regis

Division Two: Snookes Pirates v Hazelbury Bryan

Tuesday, Division One: Cattistock v Charlton Down

Division Two: Abbotsbury v Plush