JAMES Miller played a starring role in boosting Wimborne & Colehill’s Dorset Premier League title chances in a crucial 63-run victory over Poole Town.

The wicketkeeper-batsman top scored with 61 at the Leaze as the Minstermen moved level on points with Poole at the top of the pile.

Miller set the tone as Wimborne went on to post a daunting total of 267 for seven having been asked by the visitors to bat first.

He helped put on an opening stand of 40 with Colin Randall (19) but was eventually trapped leg before by Joe Wormington (1-31) with the score on 151.

Miller’s innings lasted 88 deliveries and included 10 fours.

Wimborne skipper Tom Caines (43) continued the good work, while some late power-hitting from Frank Turrell proved useful for the hosts.

Turrell’s score of 53 came from just 36 deliveries and included three sixes. He was eventually stumped by Dave Miller off the bowling of Nick Williams (2-40).

Tom Robinson (1-35), James Kirk (2-45) and Andy Groome (1-76) also picked up wickets for the visitors.

Wimborne’s Miller helped his side apply intense early pressure on Poole when he caught opener Jem Hai (2) off the bowling of Ed Bartlett (1-17).

The visitors were then reduced to 30 for two, Miller claiming another victim behind the stumps having caught Nick Williams off a James Williams (1-38) delivery.

Despite lower order contributions from Ian Musselwhite (56) and Wormington (33), who were unbeaten in a stand of 85 at the close, Poole could only post 204 for seven from their 50 overs.

Victory saw Wimborne wipe out the 11-point deficit between them and their title rivals.

The pair sit level at the top of the pile on 184 points – their nearest challengers are Dorchester, who moved on to 175 following their commanding 158-run win against Swanage at Dorchester Rec.

Elsewhere, Elliott Leadbeater’s half-century proved in vain as Broadstone fell to a 26-run loss at Shroton.

His knock of 58 had helped the visitors reach 212 for five chasing 256 for victory at Fairfield.

But the Delph Woods outfit crumbled to 229 all out, having lost their final four wickets for just six runs.

James Park (33), Ashley Collison (32), skipper Steve Trembath (29) and Luke Cater (28) were the only other Broadstone batsmen to reach double figures.

Earlier in the day, having won the toss and elected to field first, Broadstone’s Peter Thompson produced figures of four for 41.

There was also strong assistance from Collison (3-39) as well as wickets for Caleb Rowe (1-37) and Solomon Beer (1-45).

With six wins and five defeats this season, Broadstone are fourth in the pile with 152 points.

Wimborne make the trip to Swanage on Saturday, while Poole host Broadstone at Poole Park.