WEYMOUTH returned to winning ways in the Dorset Premier League on Saturday with a hard-fought victory at Stalbridge.

The hosts got off to a flier with the willow but the Seasiders pegged them back to 231-9 before chasing them down with just two wickets and eight balls to spare.

Skipper Dean Janaway said: “It was not our best bowling performance but to chase down 231 was a fantastic effort and at the end we were chuffed to bits.

“Simon Browne was outstanding with both bat and ball but it was just a great team performance and it should give us a lot of confidence ahead of this week’s trip to reigning champions Poole Town.”

It was Dorchester’s turn to face Poole at the weekend and des- pite fielding six under-19s they went agonisingly close to upset- ting the title holders on their own patch.

The county town outfit bowled the hosts out for just 153 before going on to fall just 13 runs short in reply.

Speaking after the defeat at Poole Park, Dan Belt said: “It’s disappointing that we lost but it was a close game and the youngsters were excellent.

“Everyone did what they had to do, they played with heart and gave everything, and it was just a shame it wasn’t quite enough on the day.”

Dorchester now sit fifth in the top-flight while Weymouth lie a place below, just a point behind.

* Reports in tomorrow’s Echo