PARLEY 160-7 (19pts) beat ST GEORGE’S 156 (10pts) by 4 runs

ST GEORGE’S were defeated in controversial fashion in their latest Dorset Sunday League Division One match at Parley as three lbw decisions by the home umpire contributed greatly to their downfall.

Having been set 161 for victory on a drying wicket, the Saints’ batsmen were battling hard against the express pace of 15-year-old Tom Barber only to see three of their key batsmen seen off by the umpire.

Despite this, the visitors so nearly pulled off an unlikely victory as last-wicket pair Garry King and Brian Keegan added 37 to take their side to the brink of the winning line, only for King to be bowled in the last over, attempting to hit a boundary that would have brought the scores level.

The hosts had earlier posted a competitive total of 160-7 batting first on a slow, damp wicket.

This was largely due to their experienced opener Darren Sargent who stayed for 42 overs to score 64.

However, he was fortunate not to be given out lbw when padding up to a straight Mark James delivery, a decision which confounded the county town side and was made even worse by what was to follow.

The only slight consolation was the 10 points gained from the narrow defeat to maintain their position in an incredibly tight division.