CAPTAIN Jonathan Rake insists there is still life in Parley’s survival bid despite being marooned at the foot of the Dorset Cricket League Premier Division.

With the club’s leading lights now seeking progress via the Hampshire League, a team of rookies with a smattering of experienced players has struggled to compete.

Saturday’s four-wicket defeat at Broadstone was their eighth loss in 10 outings with only Swanage realistically in their sights at the foot of the table.

But Rake reckons performances have been encouraging of late and that survival is still possible with players due to return in the coming weeks.

Addressing the chances of Parley retaining their status, Rake told the Daily Echo: “It is not impossible, there are still plenty of points to play for to keep us up and we have a number of younger players coming back after exams, from university and from work commitments.

“I would say we should have a stronger side in the second half of the season and it might only take a couple of wins to close the gap on the teams above us.

“We seem to put together decent spells without quite managing it for the whole game. It is hard because you start thinking you are getting to where you want to be but then the standard slips a little and in the Dorset League, that can be very costly.”

Rain delayed the start at the Delph and having won the toss, Broadstone opted to field.

Three quick-fire wickets hampered Parley’s cause before Alex Cridland (25) steadied the ship but tight bowling from Peter Thompson (3-9) efficiently stifled any momentum.

Cridland departed with the score on 66 for four and a series of single-figure scores followed before tail-ender Nathan Blackford (19*) produced a defiant stand.

Parley were all out for 101 but hopes of a win were boosted when David Elrick despatched openers Luke Carter and Pete Russell with Broadstone on 22 for two.

But while the hosts failed to find a flourishing partnership, Daniel Cook carried the fight with an unbeaten 54 that secured victory inside 26 overs.

Rake added: “The toss made quite a big difference to begin with. It was a shortened game and the outfield was very wet.

“I always felt anything over 100 would put them under a bit of pressure and that turned out to be the case when we had them five down quite early on.

“We were always second best but at the same time, stuck at it and gave ourselves an outside chance throughout the match.

“If we could have created that extra bit of pressure by taking a couple more wickets, it might have been different. Their number three scored 50 and in the end, that was the difference.”

Elsewhere, Poole Town’s 208 for seven was enough for a 73-run victory over Sherborne, who were skittled for 85 chasing a revised target of 158.