Swanage maintained their title challenge by beating league leaders St Georges.

Ricky King and Ben Baczala both hit half-centuries as Swans toppled the Dorset Sunday Division One pace-setters.

The 51-run victory saw second-placed Swanage close to within two points of St Georges at the top-flight summit.

Batting first, Swanage racked up an imposing 226 for five thanks to a number of decent contributions.

King laid the platform as he struck 53 before Baczala (55*) and Paul Higham (40*) lifted the total by hammering 93 from the last 10 overs.

St Georges found the run-chase tough as Swans’ bowlers kept things tight.

Higham followed his fine batting effort by delivering an impressive opening spell with the ball.

Ian Booth and Ryan Norman claimed two wickets apiece as Swans emerged victorious by restricting St Georges to 175 for eight.

• Brett Spicer, who plays for Bournemouth on a Saturday, played a key role in their downfall as Christchurch recorded their first win of 2012.

Spicer scored 32 before claiming three for 18 as Priory beat their basement rivals by 96 runs.

James Adams (50), Spicer (32) and Mike Kitson (30) chipped in as Christchurch posted 210 for seven batting first.

And just two Bournemouth batsmen reached double figures as they were dismissed for 114 (John Goodchild 3-22).

Christchurch captain James Dugan said: “We bowled really well from the start and did a really good job.

“When Brett got it right, he was unplayable.”

• In-form Winton dished out an 87-run thumping to depleted high-fliers Cranborne.

Third-placed Cranborne collapsed to just 140 in reply to Winton’s 227 for five.

Matt Clarke (60) and Badrul Alam (43) fired for Winton before Joe May smashed a quickfire 64 to boost the total.

Oli Hand (48) performed well for Cranborne but they fell way short as both Chris Hill (4-46) and Ali Williams (4-26) returned fine figures.