POOLE Borough head the Elite Teamwear Dorset Premier League following their 6-0 opening day thrashing of Stourpaine.

Matt Bircumshaw (2), Steve Russell (2), Keiron Campbell, James Edwards found the target for the winners who are managed by ex-Weymouth and Dorchester defender Pete Morrell.

Just behind them in the

table are Bournemouth Sports who enjoyed a 3-0 victory over Blandford United at Chapel Gate. Chris Smith gave Sports an early lead with Jon Marvin and Andy Spencer adding to their tally.

Gillingham Town made a good start to their title challenge thanks to a 4-2 success over neighbours Shaftesbury.

Nick Ward, Stacy White and a brace from Martin Gorden

did the damage for Gills with

Pete Skevington and Lee

Russell finding the net for the visitors.

Champions Hamworthy United began their defence with a 2-1 success over Wareham Rangers in the Purbecks.

The Hammers went in front through Jamie Holland on 15 minutes but the hosts drew level with a strike from Lee James on the half-hour.

That's the way it stayed until 20 minutes from time when Darren Orchard popped up to notch United's winner.

Elsewhere, Ryan Toms netted the only goal of the game as Cobham Sports took all three points off Sturminster Newton at Barnets Field.

* The match between Weymouth Sports and Hamworthy Recreation was postponed following Sports'

withdrawal from the league on Friday.