CHAMPIONS Wimborne & Colehill recovered from a middle-order wobble to snaffle second spot with a 65-run victory over Swanage.

Andy Hayward’s men made hard work of registering 226 for nine, but a 136-run partnership between opener Ben Bridgen (98) and Ashley Collison (51) aided the hosts’ cause at The Leaze.

George Bartlett (2) was caught in the eighth over after a sluggish start and while Hayward (27) helped to steady the ship, visiting skipper Ian Booth (4-66) took both Francis Kerins and Joe Weld for ducks to leave Wimborne reeling on 66 for four.

But Bridgen and Collison led the fightback before Wimborne’s impressive opener was caught with four overs to go, an uncharacteristic slog ending his innings just two runs shy of a memorable century.

In response, Swanage never really looked like clocking up enough runs to trouble the home side. Matt Thomas (38) scored well but captain Booth (20) and Mike Hernandez (17) would have hoped for more.

Weld (4-13) was clearly keen to atone for his early dismissal and the in-form Bridgen (3-16) also played his part as Wimborne cruised to victory, dismissing Swanage for 161.

Home skipper Hayward said: “Swanage have some very good players who comfortably beat Broadstone last week, so this was a big win.

“Bridge and Ash batted superbly and their partnership was vital, especially after we lost three quick wickets.

“All six of our bowlers performed magnificently as a unit. They showed discipline and tactical nous in achieving the 10 wickets and the 20 points.”

Elsewhere, Poole Town enjoyed a five-wicket home victory over Stalbridge. After dismissing the visitors for 121, Kristian Wilson’s men scored 123 for five.