A DEVASTATING spell from Phillip Stone inflicted a first defeat of the season on Dorchester Evening League Division One leaders Dewlish.

The Martinstown bowler returned fine figures of 5-13 as his side (95-1) breezed past the table-toppers (94) with nine wickets in hand.

Ed Nichols (42 not out) carried his bat as Martinstown prevailed by a comfortable margin to move to within two points of their opponents.

Reigning champions St George’s (132-7) also suffered a first loss of the campaign, despite a monstrous 81 from Sam Goodhew.

The Saints went down at the hands of second-placed Herrison Youth (133-7), who had Dave Griffiths (43) and Rich Cole (3-31) to thank.

At the other end of the table, Hazelbury Bryan (75-3) notched their maiden victory with a surprise win over Martinstown (74-7) – a game in which Dave Cleave snared 3-16 for the victors.

Also in the top flight, Pete Macklin starred with both bat and ball to help Bere Regis (151-3) overcome Cerne Valley (130-8). The all-rounder plundered an unbeaten 59 before recording figures of 3-28.

Cattistock strengthened their grip on top spot in Division Two with a couple of comfortable wins.

First they (80-1) got the better of Charlton Down (77) before the league leaders (93-3) disposed of Plush (90).

Elsewhere, Winfrith (135-6) defeated Abbotsbury (94-8) with B Baczala (52 not out) and W Self (4-12) in top form.

Division Three leaders Churches United (86-8) slumped to their first reversal of the season.

Mike Lingham (54) hit an impressive half-century while Ashley Matthews (3-16) helped himself to three wickets as Charlton Down Seconds (95-6) ended their winless streak.

Steve Chaldecott (50) fired Puddletown Reserves (141-5) to a resounding victory over Puddle-town RFC (54), while Martinstown Seconds (104-8) got the better of Colliton Club (97).