PUDDLETOWN have been crowned league champions after beating St George's in a winner-takes-all showdown.

The Saints batted first, but could only manage 48 all out in their innings.

This looked an easy target for Puddletown, but wickets fell rapidly amid rising excitement until they reached 41-7 with just two overs to go. Puddletown hearts were in their mouths as Mike Hoffman lofted his shot towards the waiting fielder at long off – and then over the boundary for six amid much cheering from the home side and supporters.

The remaining runs were quickly knocked off to leave Puddletown as champions.

St George’s did have two chances to claim this year’s championship last week.

Previously, they had visited Martinstown, who got off to a rapid start, thanks to G Pope’s 56.

The Saints' bowlers pegged Martinstown back somewhat, but the target of 128 was challenging.

Matt King’s 38 set them off well, but there was little back up and M Kennedy Barnard’s 4-28 meant that St George's were left 14 runs short.

At the other end of the table, Bere Regis’s win over Dewlish condemned the latter to bottom spot in the table and relegation to Division Two next year.

As reported last week, Plush will replace them, with Frampton going down to Division Three.

Cosmos look likely to gain promotion in their place by topping Division Three.