DORCHESTER 183-5 (17pts) beat WIMBORNE 172-9 (8pts) by 11 runs

DORCHESTER’S hopes of winning the Wessex Internet Dorset Premier League title are all but over despite beating leaders Wimborne by 11 runs at Dorchester Rec.

Going into the game, Dorchy trailed the Minstermen by 28 points and ideally needed a big margin of victory to set up a final-day thriller.

However, the win only closed the gap to 19 points with a maximum of 20 available.

It means they must hope Wimborne suffer a meltdown and earn zero points at home to Blandford on Saturday, while also leaning on Bere Regis to beat second-placed Poole.

READ MORE: Dorchester beat Cattistock & Symene by seven wickets

The outcome was a shame for Dorchester, who battled back bravely from 71-5 after Wimborne’s Connor Houldsworth (3-29) did early damage.

They did not lose another wicket thereafter as Ryan Buckley (73no) scored his maiden Dorchester half-century, backed up by Simon Mitchem’s solid unbeaten 44, to help Dorchy post 183-5.

In reply, Wimborne’s dangerous top order was completely decimated by Dan Belt, who returned extraordinary figures of 4-14 from his ten overs.

Simon Watkins (63) revolted against a steady flow of wickets but Wimborne ended up 11 runs short, suffering their first loss of the season.

Speaking to Echosport, Dorchester vice-captain Gautham Rajendar said: “I’m really pleased for Ryan and Mitch.

“The both of them dug in to keep the score ticking and ensure we had a decent total to defend.

“I’m proud of our bowlers, Dan and Harry (Jones) were fantastic with their opening set, everyone else pitched in and did their bit.”

On the title race, he added: “We had a couple of games where we know we should’ve been better but having quite a few games called off hasn’t helped either.”

Dorchester Seconds beat Braodstone Seconds by 110 runs, James Dunham (102no) scoring his maiden senior ton.

Dorchester Thirds lost by two wickets to Shaftesbury Seconds in Division Six.