SHROTON 198 (5pts) lost to DORCHESTER 199-2 (20pts) by eight wickets

DORCHESTER took a giant step towards the Dorset Funeral Plan Premier League title with a crushing eight-wicket victory over Shroton at the Fairfield.

A maximum 20-point win earned Dorchester a 12-point lead over former leaders Poole, who lost by 43 runs at reigning champions Wimborne & Colehill.

The result means that Dorchester require just nine points from their final match against derby rivals Martinstown on Saturday (1pm) to seal the league crown.

In the event of a tie on points after the final round, Poole would win the league on points scored in the two contests between the sides this season, Poole having claimed 27 to Dorchester’s 21.

But Dorchester know they have their fate in their own hands after another commanding display.

Despite warm conditions and a small ground, Dorchester’s unwavering faith in their bowling attack was portrayed again as captain James Dunham elected to bowl first.

Opposing skipper Christian Anstee (97) proved a thorn in Dorchester’s side with a superb innings, crunching 17 fours and a six before falling cruelly short of a century to James Caldwell (4-31).

Caldwell, seldom used as a bowler, then ripped through the Shroton lower order as the hosts were dismissed for 198.

Dorchester’s finesse in chasing totals has been a feature of their season and the visitors again started strongly with the willow, reaching 82-0 before Jack Owens (39) was bowled by Sam Pike (1-22).

Will Caldwell (75no) reached his 50 but shortly afterwards Nick Roe (14) was pinned lbw by Mike Shepard (1-23) with Dorchester 67 runs short of victory.

The Caldwell brothers continued to pile on the runs, James (36no) proving an able ally for Will as Shroton’s use of eight bowlers proved in vain.

Speaking to Echosport, Dorchester vice-captain Dan Belt said: “After losing to Poole it was a game we needed to get 20 points to keep us in the title chase.

“On a hot day we backed ourselves to bowl them out, which we did, and took wickets at regular intervals to reduce them to less than 200.

“It’s a very small ground so we thought it was below-par – we were very confident of chasing it.

“It was the perfect weekend to chase down a total and put 20 points on the board. Will and Jack got us off to a good start, Nick scored a few runs and James looked very good.”

Dorchester Seconds, meanwhile, visit Wareham on the final day and must gain 13 points over Sherborne Seconds to leapfrog their promotion rivals into second place.