SWIFT Signs Division One leaders Budmouth suffered their first defeat of the season as defending champions Moby Dick’s Bears pulled off a three-wicket victory to haul themselves back into the title race.

The Bears’ Trevor Warren picked up the key wicket of Pete Moxom who departed with just a single run, paving the way for Jim Ryall (3-22) and Simon Mitchem (2-31) to attack the Budmouth middle order.

Chasing a target of 90, the Bears lost early wickets, but Ryall (30) stood firm, setting up a tense final over.

It was left to skipper Laurie Whyte (14no) and Warren (4no) to hit the winning runs with three balls to spare.

Saggies also benefitted from Bud-mouth’s slip-up to gain ground on the leaders following a win over Echo Cup finalists New Look.

An excellent batting performance by Danny Dancer, who was unlucky to be left unbeaten on 49, and Ben Doidge (59) set an imposing target of 122.

New Look’s reply faltered after Paul Gadsby had Faraz Ulhaq caught early and a brilliant run out by Mark Caldwell removed the dangerous Dave Mansbridge.

A fine bowling and fielding performance by Saggies saw New Look eventually finish 59 runs adrift.

In Division Two, Portland Red Triangle eased to a 58-run win against Marquis of Granby to maintain their three-point cushion at the top of the table. However, it was a hard-fought victory as Triangle collapsed to 24-4 after Robbins (3-27) tore through the top order.

Portland skipper Dave Price led the recovery with a fine half-century, adding 66 for the fifth wicket with Tony Morris (13) as they were eventually bowled out for 120.

In reply, Andy Fowler (26) held firm as batting partners came and went, with first Laurie West (3-14) and Dave Clifford (2-26) doing the damage, before Morris (3-12) sealed the points in the 11th over.

The Royal Portland Arms are still in touch following a convincing nine-wicket win over Wessex Gasworks at the YOI.

Batting first the Gasworks hit a competitive 93-8, with Derek Millen (25) and Derek Wilkes (20) forming a useful middle order partnership, with Darrell Farley (2-13) the pick of the Arms’ bowlers.

The Arms made short work of the run chase with the in-form Chris Leake (44) and Khylo Farley (33no) attacking from the off.

Wessex captain Gareth Price (1-20) prevented Leake reaching his 50, but the result was already in the bag as Steven Browne (8no) helped wrap up the win with six overs remaining.