AN UNBEATEN knock of 73 and two catches from Ben Baczala proved crucial as Swanage recorded a narrow success over Sherborne at the Terrace.

Baczala’s contribution with the bat helped the visitors reach 253 for eight from their 50 overs and Sherborne’s reply fell just short of the reduced target of 234.

Swanage won the toss in the Dorset Saturday League clash and elected to bat first, with openers Francis Kerins and Ricky King making decent progress.

While skipper King was caught by Marc Lock for 14, Kerins made it to 45 before he was bowled by Sherborne’s Paul Hancock.

Further solid support arrived from Ian Booth (35), while Dan Salmon was caught by Tom Harris (22) and Will Selfe added 18 to the score before he was run out. Tailenders Ryan Norman (2) and Mike Hernandez (6) hung in at the crease and Baczala added further runs to the total.

James Elliot-Square took three for 38, while Andrew Nurton claimed two for 38.

In reply, Sherborne batsmen Luke Hancock (28), Marc Lock (41), Elliot-Square (23), Shane Snater (34) and Emlyn Kuhn (26) kept the hosts in the game.

But a couple of middle-order wickets from Dorset spinner Jem Warner (2-41) aided Swanage and despite a battling effort, Sherborne could only make it to 223 for the loss of eight wickets, with 46 overs played.

Elsewhere, Parley suffered a three-wicket defeat to Dorchester at the Rec. The visitors made 186 for nine but lowly Dorchester surpassed the target with eight balls to spare to gain a much-needed win.

Wimborne & Colehill managed 203 for five after rain had reduced to 40 overs their innings against Broadstone at the Leaze.

The hosts were in a spot of bother after Colin Randall (1) was caught by Ben Simmons but Tom Caines (48) and David Guest (28) steadied the ship.

Mike Holm bowled Caines but Simon Woodruff (20), James Williams (37) and Grant Cormack (37*) helped the home side's cause.

Holm took two for 32 and Ross Tooley took two for 49.

The Broadstone innings was reduced to 33 overs and a revised target of 182 set, with Woodruff and Caines claiming the wickets of Pete Russell (34) and James Brown (2), respectively, to leave the visitors on 80 for three.

However, Broadstone put on 45 for the next wicket thanks in part to Connor Tarr (35) and after he had departed, Daniel Cook (43) remained stubborn at the crease.

Tailender Steve Trembath hit an unbeaten 23 and Broadstone reached their target with an over to spare, with seven wickets down.

Meanwhile, Brewster Surridge hit 55 and Joey Wilson claimed four for 37 as Poole Town recorded a home victory over Martinstown.

Poole had totalled 189 for nine with Martinstown set a reduced target of 175. But the visitors were bowled out for 153, some 22 runs short.