SWANAGE star Jem Warner’s exploits with the ball proved in vain as Dorset slipped to a four-wicket defeat against Cornwall in the Unicorns T20 Cup.

The 18-year-old gave his side hope at Exmouth by claiming the scalps of Christian Purchase (13), Bradley Wadlan (18) and Paul Smith to leave Cornwall on 54 for four in pursuit of Dorset’s 110.

Spinner Warner was also Dorset’s most economical bowler, conceding just 18 runs in four overs but a quickfire 35 from Cornwall’s Kelvin Snell proved decisive as the hosts eased home at 111 for six with more than three overs to spare.

Dorset skipper Chris Park won the toss and opted to bat but Snell (3-22) soon got among them with Masoor Khan, Jake Lintott and Darren Cowley all falling for single figures.

Luke Webb (13) battled in vain to arrest the slide with Bashley’s Michael Porter (35*) the only player to make serious inroads having arrived at the crease with Dorset on 43 for five.

Cornwall’s Matthew Robins (3-15) worked his way through the tail with only James Hayman (13) putting up any kind of resistance for the visitors.

Although Warner’s rally briefly troubled Cornwall, Snell’s intervention proved decisive.

  • Leaders Parley made it five wins from five in the Dorset Saturday League with a 10-wicket thumping of Weymouth.

Dominic Clutterbuck (3-31) was the stand-out bowler for Parley as the visitors failed to back up the stellar efforts of Kieron Womble (71) en route to 177 all out.

And the Parley reply was over in fewer than 26 overs as New Zealander Callum Hewetson (72*) and Ollie Shrubsole (83*) knocked off the runs with ease.

A century partnership between Dave Miller and Tom Robinson saved the day for Poole Town, who maintained their pursuit at the top of the table with a fourth win in five at Dorchester.

Quenton Miller (55) and Dan Belt (62) combined to put on 110 for the third wicket as Dorchester posted a solid 197 for six In reply, Poole were in trouble on 53 for five as Belt (2-32), Simon Mitchem (2-24) and James Dunham (2-50) applied the pressure.

But Dave Miller (51) and Robinson (45) swung the pendulum with tail-enders Jamie Thomas and Jem Hai doing just enough to secure victory.

Broadstone paid the price for a below-par batting display and slipped to a six-wicket defeat at home to fellow challengers Sherborne, while Wimborne & Colehill were in control throughout their 55-run triumph at Swanage.

Tom Caines and James Williams both brought up half-centuries to post 199 all out with Swanage restricted to 144.