SKIPPER James Miller singled out Simon Woodruff for special praise following his match-winning display in Wimborne & Colehill’s six-wicket victory over Swanage.

Woodruff claimed three for 13 as Swanage were dismissed for 154 before hitting an unbeaten 68 to see the Minstermen over the line after their reply had wobbled early on.

Captain Miller told the Daily Echo: “It was a solid team performance by all the lads with a stand-out display from Simon Woodruff.

“He really took responsibility of chasing down the runs, being very selective on his scoring shots.

“However, bringing up your 50 with a reverse sweep going for six really shows his batting ability and self-belief.

“All we can do is keep winning our games and keep pushing Poole, Sherborne and Dorchester and hope they all drop a few points in the next couple of weeks.

Third-placed Wimborne & Colehill are just five points behind new leaders Dorchester and three adrift of Sherborne who are second.

Woodruff made good use of the new ball by snaring the wickets of Mike Wells and Ricky King to put Swanage on the back foot in the early stages of their innings.

An excellent fielding display included some superb catches being taken by the Minstermen, although Pete Richards (34) batted patiently and some big-hitting from Ryan Norman (41) hoisted the Swanage total to 154 with Harry Beardsley (3-31) sharing the bowling plaudits with Woodruff.

Wimborne’s reply did not get off to the best start with openers Colin Randall and Tom Caines both falling cheaply, followed by Mark House as they slumped to an uneasy 45 for three.

But Woodruff and David Guest knuckled down and rebuilt the innings by putting on 70 for the fourth wicket before Steve Kent broke the partnership by removing Guest.

Woodruff was joined at the crease by George Bartlett and the pair ensured the Minstermen would reach their target without further loss with Elliot Baczala (2-15) the pick of the Swanage bowlers.

Parley skipper Jonathan Rake believes Dorchester must be considered serious title contenders after watching them at close quarters for the first time.

Captain Rake had no complaints after struggling Parley had been brushed aside by Dorchester, an eight-wicket triumph seeing them replace Poole Town at the summit.

Parley, inserted under overcast skies, were rolled over for just 82 before Dorchester eased to a sixth victory of the season at 86 for two.

Rake said: “Dorchester had the best bowling unit we have faced this year so far and, with a strong batting line-up, I would not be surprised if they went on to win the league.

“We now have a couple of big weeks ahead to ensure we give ourselves a chance of staying in the Dorset Premier League.”

Broadstone 172-6 (20) beat Stalbridge 168ao (6) by 4 wickets

Sherborne 140ao (17) beat Martinstown 130ao (10) by 10 runs

Poole Town 175-9 (11) tied with Shillingstone 175-7 (12)