ST GEORGE’S took a giant leap towards regaining the Dorchester Evening League Division One title, assuming top spot courtesy of two vital victories.

First, the Saints (77-5) overcame the challenge of struggling Cerne Valley (73-9) thanks largely to a devastating display from Julian Davies.

The all-rounder claimed six wickets for the loss of just 10 runs before top scoring with an unbeaten 26 as the new leaders reached their target with five wickets to spare.

And St George’s (117-4), who lifted the league trophy five times in a row between 2006 and 2010, secured back-to-back triumphs by comfortably defeating third-placed Cattistock (61 all out).

This time, Ross Baker (43 not out) and Rich Cole (3-11) led the charge for the title hopefuls.

In Division Two, Bere Regis kept the pressure on unbeaten leaders Winfrith with a fine performance against Frampton .

Pete Macklin’s superb knock of 75 helped the second-placed outfit post a commanding total of 181-5.

Frampton could only reach 105 in reply before the fall of their final wicket.

Churches United claimed a crucial win in their bid for the third-tier title – inflicting a first defeat on rivals Plush.

Led by Dan Morris (50 not out), the former closed on 116-1 before restricting the latter to 99-8.

Unfazed by the disappointment, Plush (116-7) bounced back with victory over Winfrith Seconds (114-9), despite a fifer from Winfrith’s Rich Fagence (5-15).

Plush are now six points behind leaders United, but do hold three games in hand.

RESULTS

Division One: St George’s 77-5 (Julian Davies 26no, Tom Goatley 3-6) beat Cerne Valley 73-9 (Rob Baney 21no, Julian Davies 6-10); St George’s 117-4 (Ross Baker 43no, Bradley Damen 2-18) beat Cattistock 61 (Billy Wallbridge 12, Rich Cole 3-11).

Division Two: Bere Regis 181-5 (Pete Macklin 75, David Bentley 2-22) beat Frampton 105 (Chris Duerdoth 28, Ady Moore 3-25).

Division Three: Churches United 116-1 (Dan Morris 50no, Luke Raines 0-10) beat Plush 99-8 (C Taylor 26, Matt Stevens 2-24); Plush 116-7 (R Edmunds 37no, Rich Fagence 5-15) beat Winfrith Seconds 114-9 (Alex Tuck 34, George Chubb 4-22).

FIXTURES

Tonight, Division One: Cerne Valley v Hazelbury Bryan, St George’s v Cattistock.

Division Two: Bere Regis v Winfrith.

Division Three: Puddletown RFC v Charlton Down Seconds, Puddletown Reserves v Colliton Club.

Tomorrow, Division Two: Abbotsbury v Charlton Down , Frampton v Puddletown.

Division Three: Winfrith Seconds v Colliton Club, Plush v Puddletown Reserves.

Monday, July 23, Knockout Cup final: Dewlish v Martinstown/Cattistock.

Division Two: Charlton Down v Martinstown Seconds.

Tuesday, July 24, Division Two: Winfrith v Puddletown.

Division Three: Charlton Down Seconds v Plush, Colliton Club v Winfrith Seconds.