ST GEORGES stand on the cusp of an eighth Division One and Knockout Cup double in the Dorchester and District Evening League.

The Saints, who have won the league title seven times in the last eight seasons, are virtually home and dry with one fixture left.

They lost for only the second time this summer when going down by 18 runs to Bere Regis in the latest round of matches.

However, a six-wicket victory over Cattistock means they can almost start celebrating another league triumph.

Garry King’s 2-40 helped the Saints restrict Cattistock to a total of 117-7, before Rich Cole’s unbeaten 53 secured the win for the champions elect.

Rob Cole scored 33 for St Georges in their defeat to Bere Regis, whose 181-7, including 78 from Pete Russell, proved too good for the Division One leaders.

Dewlish remain second, two points behind the Saints, after beating Cattistock by 50 runs – Tom Hewish scored 62 not out for Dewlish and Lewis Chutter took 3-18.

In the other game to be played in the top tier, relegated Charlton Down lost to Mart-instown by 25 runs.

Stuart Fry fell one run short of a half-century for Martinstown and although Sam Roles cracked 53 in reply, Charlton Down were unable to stage a successful run chase.

There was a thriller in Division Two where Frampton’s J Hurford compiled a superb unbeaten century to guide his side to 202-3 in response to Plush’s 199-8.

Champions Snookes Pirates suffered a surprise reverse against Cerne Valley, despite another excellent batting performance by Michael Irrgang who plundered an unbeaten 58.

And in a second shock of the week, bottom club Abbotsbury claimed a fourth win of the campaign when they saw off second-placed Hazelbury Bryan by 23 runs.

Simon Mitchem blasted 87 for the Swans in a total of 128-6, and then W Philpott produced match-winning figures of 5-16.

In Division Three, Puddletown RFC finally managed to claim a victory, beating Cosmos by nine runs with Chris Ricketts top scoring on 34.

However, the rugby club also lost to Charlton Down Seconds, while champions Casuals romped to a 38-run triumph over Winfrith.

Pete Moxom scored 45 and took 2-10 for Casuals.