AURA’S title hopes in the Weymouth Moby Dick's Sunday League look all but over following a shock 4-1 defeat against Sailors Return.

The Esplanade outfit were expected to cruise the game at Redlands but the Sailors sunk them to pick up only their second win in eight games in all competitions.

The result has had massive implications on the race for the Weymouth Sunday League Premiership crown with Bar 314 looking odds-on to retain their title.

Aura appeared ready to mount a serious challenge for the trophy following their victory over the table-toppers just last month, but this latest defeat now sees them nine points adrift – a huge gap considering the holders have won 11 out of their 12 league matches so far this season.

The Sailors put Aura on the back foot from the first whistle and eventually broke the deadlock when Dave Sowerby played a neat one-two with Liam Puckett before firing past the keeper.

Fine build-up play from Brendan Black teed up Sowerby to drive home his second after the break before Aura finally responded courtesy of a cross-cum-shot from Harry Norman.

That piece of good fortune could have easily swung the momentum but the Sailors never wavered and quickly regained their two-goal lead thanks to a fine header from Chris Philbrick from Reece Clarke’s corner.

Aura replied by throwing men forward in a desperate bid to turn the tables but the Sailors put the result to bed when Matt Roberts turned in Sowerby’s cross for an unfortunate own goal.

The Sailors now sit seventh in the table and will face Bar 314 this Sunday.

The Quaysiders will fancy their chances of causing another upset but the league leaders appear to be back in the groove.

Since their defeat to Aura, Bar 314 have beaten Bakers Arms 15-1 and Famous Old Spa 3-1.

The Spa put up a good fight at Redlands but Phil Groves’ men had a bit too much for them as goals by Carl McClements, Phil Anderson and Ricky Lane secured the table-toppers another three points.

Britannia also produced a fine performance against Market House to return to winning ways.

Stu Burley continued his fantastic scoring form with a hat-trick as the Brit won 7-2.

Simon True (2) and Chris Squibb were also on target for the Portlanders who now sit second courtesy of Aura’s slip up.

There were also wins for Moby Dick’s, Dolphin and Lazy Lizard in the latest round of fixtures.

The Moby won 3-1 at Bakers Arms with goals from Dan Shepperd (2) and Arron Hayers, while Dolphin overcame Alexandra 6-2 with a hat-trick from Charlie May and strikes from Doug Beveridge, Mark Cheater and Charlie Kenderdine. Lee Rockingham and Stu Spearing replied for the Alex.

Finally, the Lizard triumphed 5-1 at Broadmayne.

RESULTS

Weymouth Sunday League Premiership: Famous Old Spa 1 Bar 314 3, Bakers Arms 1 Moby Dick’s 3, Britannia 7 Market House 2, Broadmayne 1 Lazy Lizard 5, Alexandra 2 Dolphin 6, Sailors Return 4 Aura 1.