WIMBORNE & COLEHILL skipper Andy Hayward gave up any hope of a title tilt this season after his side's surprise defeat at Winton.

The Minstermen slipped to a third loss of the campaign in a rain disrupted match as Winton managed to reach their revised target of 167 with just two overs to spare.

And with leaders Parley continuing their imperious form at the top of the table, Hayward feels Wimborne's championship defence is over just eight games into the season.

A poor start at the crease saw Winton hold their visitors to 50 for five with veteran Graham Cole caught for a duck before Francis Kerins (40) settled in and played his part in two useful partnerships.

Kerins added 39 runs alongside James Miller (22) and racked up 78 with James Williams (51) as the middle order steadily added respectability to the scoreline.

However, a mistimed drive from Kerins was followed by Tom Butcher's departure without score and Wimborne finished on 176 all-out.

The Minstermen looked strong defending their target with Butcher (3-26) and Ashley Collison (2-34) steadying the ship, holding the hosts to 103 for six.

The early wickets seemed to set Wimborne on their way, but an unbeaten 65 shared between Winton captain Ally Williams (29*) and Joe May (32*) finished the job along with Wimborne's title defence according to Hayward.

Wimborne's captain said: “The defeat has probably ended our title challenge this summer, which is a shame considering the success we had last season.

“However, we have had a difficult set of circumstances to deal with this season in more ways than one.

“I was extremely pleased with how we battled throughout the match and it was nice to see youngsters like James Williams, Francis Kerins and Tom Butcher contribute to make a game of it.”