THEPurbeck League is split into two sections with the top two in each section going through to a play-off for the title.

Last season, the Moonfleet A side were successful in winning, and as defending champions, they were hoping for a successful start to the new season.

However, they have not made the start they were hoping for, losing both their opening two fixtures.

BOURNEMOUTH A 32 (4) MOONFLEET A 28 (2)

The Moonfleet trio of skip Alf Sawkins, Keith Wyman and War-wick Brown faced skip Ian Davies, D McKenna and P Bloomfield.

The Sawkins trio were quickly into their stride and went ahead at five ends and steadily increased their lead throughout the game to finish comfortable 16-10 winners.

However, it was a different story on the adjoining rink where skip Ron McCarthy, Mike Durant and Mick Moxham faced skip David Stratten, Rob Huggett and David Eatwell.

Initially it was a close affair at 9-9 after 10 ends, but the home trio won six of the last eight ends, picking up 13 shots to finish comprehensive 22-12 winners.

DOLPHIN 34 (6) MOONFLEET 23 (0)

Playing away at Dolphin, skip Doug Obee, Pete Read and Brian Burroughs faced skip P Truscott, Norman Dames and G Cole.

Although holding a narrow lead after five ends, things took a turn for the worst for the visitors on the next end when the Obee trio dropped six shots and were unable to repair the damage, they eventually lost 18-13.

The other three of skip Ron McCarthy, Mike Durant and Warwick Brown faced skip Derek Ames, J Riddington and R Taylor.

At the start, the McCarthy trio again held a 5-4 lead after seven ends but they then started to fall behind and trailed by three shots after 13.

The experienced Ames trio moved further ahead and al-though McCarthy rallied winning two of the last three ends the Moonfleet men went down 16-10.

BOURNEMOUTH B 30 (5) MOONFLEET B 28 (1)

Moonfleet B were hoping for a better season after just missing out on the play-offs last year, and can count themselves a little unlucky after this match to come away with just one point.

The three of skip StJ Corben, Charlie Langridge and Brian Martindill made a poor start, but then picked up five shots on the fifth end to go ahead, leaving the game at 9-9 after nine.

Corbin’s three then took a 13-9 lead at 12 ends, but then failed to score for four ends and eventually settled for a 15-15 draw with skip C Graham’s trio.

The other group of skip Jim Hamilton, Roy Paul and Tony Colton faced Bournemouth B skip R Straw’s trio.

This was yet another close game with the lead constantly changing until the Hamilton three went ahead to lead 12-5.

But suddenly the Straw three reeled off four winning ends, picking up 10 shots to gain a 15-13 win and clinch a surprise match victory for the home side.

MOONFLEET B 22 (2) BOURNEMOUTH B 29 (4)

Moonfleet were unable to stop Bournemouth completing the double over them despite skip StJ Corben, Mike Chislett and experienced lead Tony Colton gaining a win against skip C Graham’s team.

Corben, having been unlucky not to win in Bournemouth, managed to overcome his opposition this time by picking up nine shots on the sixth and seventh ends.

Those two ends proved crucial in a competitive game as Corben’s trio maintained the gap to clinch a 16-12 win.

However, the three of skip Pat Rod, Charlie Langridge and Colin Poulter faced skip R Straw, who had an inspired game, frequently changing the head with a variety of shots to ensure a comprehensive 16-7 win to seal another victory for Bournemouth.