CHAMPIONS-elect Parley maintained their march towards the Dorset League title with a comfortable six-wicket victory at Swanage.

The hosts were swept aside by a hostile bowling attack that never allowed them to settle.

Openers Mike Salmon and Matt Thomas were quickly dismissed before skipper Ian Booth (11) and Jem Warner (31) put on a partnership of 26.

However, the recovery was brief and three quick wickets from Dominic Clutterbuck (4-35) following Warner’s dismissal by Jamie Hicks (2-19) saw four wickets fall for six runs, leaving Swanage reeling on just 78 for seven.

The home side’s strongest partnership ended up being a final-wicket stand between Baczala brothers Ben (34*) and Elliott (15), who put on 38.

But Parley made light work of Swans’ meagre total of 133 all out as prolific pairing Sam Collins (28) and Mark Morley (47) opened with 86.

The visitors were stunned by Booth (3-37) as he claimed all three of his wickets for just four runs, but the title favourites soon settled back into their stride.

Robbie Gunn (24*) and Sam Thomson put on 47 to secure Parley’s 11th consecutive win since the start of the season, while defeat left Swanage looking over their shoulder.

Ferndown Wayfarers moved further clear in second spot by cruising to a 102-run success at bottom club Weymouth.

James Raftery’s unbeaten 89 supported a strong start from opener Dean Elsworthy (73) with both men finding the boundary 14 times.

Skipper Eric Linge (47) and Leigh Dunham (28) went on to score well as Wayfarers posted a stellar 326 for five from their 50 overs, despite the best efforts of James Morris (3-70).

Weymouth responded with a couple of strong partnerships but never looked likely to match the visitors’ efforts.

Dean Janaway (48) and Kieron Womble (20) teamed up to snaffle 51 for the third wicket, while top scorer Will McKay (54*) put on 64 with Jim Ryall (26).

But despite the Redlands outfit reaching 189 for five, the fearsome form of Ferndown bowlers Linge (4-20) and Elsworthy (3-52) saw Weymouth’s final five fall for single figures, including ducks for Harry Mitchell, Morris and Tim Guyett.

Elsewhere, Winton could not take advantage of losses for their fellow strugglers after falling 36 runs short of a winning total against Stalbridge.

The visitors posted a solid 277 with Winton managing 242 to leave the hosts third bottom, just 10 points clear of basement boys Weymouth.