BASEMENT side Parley missed out on vital points as they were subjected to an agonising four-run defeat at Martinstown.

Parley won the toss and elected to field, the home side putting on 152 for the loss of the first two wickets.

Opener Ed Nichols led the way with a superb century (107), while Ben Lawes’s 46 helped boost to 242 for six the final total. Dorset’s Tom Barber was the pick of the Parley bowlers with two for 40.

In reply, Jon Rake was a stubborn presence but Parley looked in some bother at 115 for four.

However, the partnership of Rake (89) and Michael Caulfield put 100 on the total. Three further wickets fell as Parley tried to keep up with the run rate, eventually falling just short.

Poole Town dented Dorchester’s title hopes with an emphatic 76-run victory.

Hosts Poole were restricted to 165 for nine on a bowler-friendly pitch but then they dismissed their opponents for a paltry 80.

Broadstone beat Swanage by 94 runs at the Delph. Ben Manley (67), Daniel Cook (60) and Luke Carter (42) impressed with the bat for Broadstone. Swanage’s Mike Nash took four for 48.

In reply, Dan Salmon’s 86 proved in vain as Swans fell well short. Mike Holm claimed outstanding figures of six for 12.