EARLY closing at the British Embassy in Nairobi robbed Weymouth of their new overseas star Collins Obuya at Stalbridge on Saturday.

Having finally sorted the Kenyan international's visa requirements, the Seasiders were rocked by the news that he failed to get his documents stamped in time to make a booked flight to Heathrow on Friday night.

Obuya, who helped his country reach the 2003 World Cup semi-finals, was left stranded and is now due to arrive in England later today.

Weymouth skipper Paul Payne said: "It's been one thing after another. First we had delays with getting Collins' visa but they were all resolved early last week. We had the paperwork couriered to him in Nairobi, which he received Friday morning, and then it was just a case of going to the British Embassy to get a stamp in his passport before going to the airport.

"Unfortunately, and unannounced, the Embassy decided to close early and so it couldn't be done in time. I spoke to Collins when he was in the queue awaiting his stamp but they closed the doors at noon and that was that.

"Myself and his agent called the embassy and pleaded with them to help us out but they refused to do us any favours. Collins is now due to go there this morning and will be on a flight from Nairobi today."

Despite being without their new star, the Seasiders cruised to an easy 71-run success at Park Road to maintain their position at the top of the Dorset Premier Division.

Meanwhile in Division One, Portland Red Triangle thrashed neighbours Weymouth Seconds by seven wickets but there were defeats for Beaminster, at home to Marnhull, and Dorchester at Fovant. Bridport went down by six wickets to Dorchester Seconds at the Rec.