WEYMOUTH 186-7 (19pts) beat WIMBORNE & COLEHILL 164 (6pts) by three wickets

PROUD skipper Dean Janaway hailed Weymouth’s tremendous team ethic after they became the first side this season to topple high-flying Wimborne & Colehill on their own patch.

The Seasiders travelled to the Leaze off the back of three successive victories and despite damp conditions and being put into the bat, they produced another stunning all-round performance to knock the hosts off the top of the table.

Janaway, whose side have now won six out of their last seven, told Echosport: “The match was reduced to 49 overs each following a downpour in the warm up and they ended up winning the toss and bowling on a track that did a bit all day.

“There is a big outfield up there so to get to 186 in damp conditions was very pleasing as that was probably worth 240 at Redlands .

“The ball was hard to get away all afternoon but Ben Lawes (55) batted superbly for us and really held us together. Jim Ryall (34) was also outstanding and together they put on 74 for the second wicket which was a key partnership.

“What proved to be the biggest factor on the day though, was the extras column. They gave us 34 while we conceded just eight, and in the end that proved to be the difference.

“Not for the first time this season our bowlers put on a brilliant performance and built pressure throughout.

“Dan Hutchens (2-29) was excellent with the new ball and Dave Trotter (0-10) conceded just 10 runs off 10 overs, which included five maidens.

“Ben (2-28), Laurie ‘Cube’ Whyte (2-35) and Will McKay (1-56) then came on with their spin and once we got Wimborne up to requiring six or seven per over we knew it was never going to be easy for them.

“Ben Bridgen scored 55 but never got away from us, and although we dropped a couple of chances, the performance in the field was superb with Paul Payne producing a superb run out after a one-handed stop at mid-wicket, and Jim pulling off a stunning catch behind the stumps down the leg side.

“It was just a brilliant team effort and it made me very proud.

“Wimborne were obviously pretty devastated afterwards but the team ethic we have at the moment is just incredible.

“Everyone is supporting each other and revelling in each other’s success and it is showing in our results.”

After Tom Butcher (1-19) trapped Janaway (8) leg before, Ryall and Lawes came together and showed all their experience to fend off Wimborne’s opening attack. And even when that stand was eventually broken Payne (21) and Kieron Womble (13) ensured the momentum continued.

Colin Randall (2) fell early in reply and although Andy Hayward (26) and Bridgen put on 66 for the second wicket the hosts were soon struggling to keep up with the run-rate.

Ryall’s sublime catch then dismissed Hayward and from that point on Weymouth took control. Suddenly 70-2 became 90-5 before Whyte clean bowled Bridgen to all but end Wimborne’s hopes.

Joe Weld (24) and James Miller (21) put up some resistance but the Seasiders eventually went on to wrap up the victory in the 48th over.

Parley are now the new leaders in the Dorset Premier League courtesy of their victory over Broadstone while Wimborne have dropped to second. Janaway’s men remain fifth.