WINTON began their Dorset League campaign on Saturday – with their Premier Division status still up in the air.

The newly-promoted outfit’s fate could be decided today as they wait to discover if their appeal against automatic relegation will be successful.

As revealed in the Daily Echo last month, Winton could be condemned to the drop this season regardless of their on-field performances.

That was after Winton were informed by the league that they had not fulfilled the criteria for promotion due to issues surrounding their youth section and Clubmark.

The league initially approved Winton’s promotion on the proviso they had addressed the matters ahead of the start of the season.

Winton were subsequently warned they could be demoted back to the second flight as the league said they had not met the criteria.

But the club lodged an appeal and their future is expected to be on the agenda at a committee meeting today.

Brian Dobson, Winton secretary and last season’s team manager, says he is “pretty confident” their appeal will prove successful.

He added: “We still don’t know and have been told a decision will be made after a committee meeting on May 15 (today).”

Speaking to the Echo yesterday, Dorset League chairman John Ridout said: “We have got a committee meeting later this week and a number of matters will be discussed at that meeting.”

Amid the uncertainty, Winton suffered an 81-run defeat against Ferndown Wayfarers on Saturday.

Dean Elsworthy (55) led the way as Wayfarers posted 208 for nine in their 50 overs (Chris Hill 3-38).

Robbie Stammas (3-18) and Neil Sexton (3-36) helped skittle Winton for 127, despite the best efforts of Matt Clark (32).

• Joe Weld’s six-wicket burst helped Wimborne & Colehill make it two wins from two as they inflicted a shock defeat on Parley at Dean Park.

The visitors registered a 13-run triumph over one of the division’s big guns, who have won the title twice in the past three years.

Weld finished with exceptional figures of six for 26 as he ensured Parley would fall short of Wimborne & Colehill’s 170 for nine.

Top scorers Ben Bridgen (64) and Colin Randall (38) helped Wimborne post a respectable total despite the efforts of Alex Nippard (4-40).

In reply, a solid opening stand of 41 between Sam Collins (23) and Kieran Price (19) got Parley off to a decent start before Tom Jacques (60) found form at number three.

But he became one of Weld’s victims as Wimborne secured an impressive win. Vice-captain Bridgen continued his good work by claiming two for 11 off nine economical overs.

Victorious skipper Andy Hayward praised Weld and his team before adding: “There are plenty of areas to improve on if we are to maintain our decent start to the season.”