POOLE Town’s unbeaten Dorset Premier League start came to an abrupt end after they were defeated at home by high-flying Dorchester.

The hosts suffered a 26-run reverse against their table-topping opposition at Poole Park, meaning they slipped to joint-third in the division with Martinstown.

Having lost the toss and been asked to bowl first, Poole were put to the sword by middle order batsman Eral Anderson.

He finished unbeaten on 97 as Dorchester posted 250 for five from their 50 overs.

Anderson, whose knock included 10 fours, forged an impressive fifth-wicket stand of 97 with all-rounder Will McKay (47) to take the game away from the hosts.

Badrul Alam impressed with two for 33 for Poole, while there were also wickets for James Kirk (1-29), Dameth Gunawardena (1-41) and Joe Riddell (1-32).

In reply, the hosts got off to a solid start and reached 103 for two partly thanks to 59 from opener Luc Kear.

But when number three Alam (70) was dismissed by county town all-rounder Dan Belt, Poole slipped from 210 for six to 224 all out.

Belt was the pick of the bowlers with two for 39, spinner Jack Walklett (2-43) also stood out for the visitors.

Poole are now 15 points behind Dorchester, who have won all four of their opening contests.

Meanwhile, half-centuries for Colin Randall (56) and Frank Turrell (52) helped pave the way for Wimborne & Colehill to run out comfortable 79-run winners at Sherborne.

After winning the toss and electing to bat at the Terrace, the Minstermen battled their way to 215 for six from their allotted overs.

With each of the visitors’ bowlers at least striking once, Wimborne skipper Tom Caines (3-13) and George Bartlett (3-21) did most of the damage as the hosts were skittled for 136 in reply.

Wimborne’s win put them second in the pile, 13 points adrift of the leaders.

They host Stalbridge at the Leaze on Saturday, while Poole are at home against struggling Swanage.