BUDMOUTH strengthened their position at the top of the table with back-to-back wins in Swift Signs Division Two.

An outstanding performance by bowler René Lawson swung the match in Budmouth’s favour as he tore through the Portland Arms batting.

Nick (2-4) and Luke Voss (1-15) had caused the early damage, removing the top order, but it was Lawson, with 6-3 who effectively sealed the result.

Lawson was unlucky not to take a hattrick during his spell, twice claiming two in two balls.

Chasing just 33 to win, Budmouth were made to work hard for the points as Dave Baney (10no) was the only man to reach double figures in the match as his side won by five wickets.

The George Inn and Budmouth met for the third time this season, and once again the school outfit triumphed, but only just.

In a low-scoring encounter, the George finished on 60-6, thanks to knocks of 20 by Stuart Sugg and George Munro.

In reply, Budmouth slumped from 26-0 to 37-5 before a few lusty blows from Chris Luke (19) helped his side get over the line with two wickets in hand.

Cosmos lead the chasing pack, but lost vital points as Dorchester Under-25s avenged their defeat earlier in the campaign, with a crushing 10-wicket win.

Cosmos lost in-form batsmen Keane and McBean early on, but an unbeaten 40 from Montgomery saw them recover to post 94-4 from 16 overs.

However, this wasn’t enough as Pete Moxom led a one-man assault on the Cosmos bowlers with a superb 78 not out, supported by Goodhew (12no).

Cosmos bounced back to edge a narrow last-over win against the Portland Arms on a damp Redlands pitch.

Portland Arms, batting first, got off to a good start with Males (17) and Cameron (15) taking the score along to 49.

However, an inspired bowling change by captain Sims led to the introduction of Cosmos’ main wicket-taker this season Sallows, who ripped through the Portland Arms side, claiming five wickets for only three runs.

This collapse was made more impressive with a fantastic run out throw from Burdett as the Arms slumped to 54-9 at the close.

Cosmos appeared to be coasting to victory, until Price (3-7) and Cameron (5-9) were brought on and proceeded to carve through the openers and middle order.

It was left to Sims and bowler Sallows to steady the ship and guide Cosmos to victory with five balls to spare.