BROADSTONE suffered their fourth Dorset Funeral Plan League defeat of the campaign after a nail-biting finale against Bere Regis.

The hosts saw their first innings total exceeded with three balls to spare at the Delph, meaning they occupy fifth spot in the table.

Broadstone elected to bat first and made a solid start as openers Luke Carter (16) and James Park (32) worked their way to 48 without loss.

But both men were quickly removed by spinner Bradley Moss (2-35) before Pete Russell (50*) and Ashley Collison (33) rebuilt with a 36-run stand.

Bere’s Dave Griffiths (2-39) recorded three maidens while dismissing Connor Tarr (37) and Mike Holm (13) as the hosts were restricted to 215 for seven from their 50 overs.

In reply, a magnificent 106 from Rob Murphy helped steer the visitors to victory.

He was eventually dismissed by Russell (2-42) and Matt Spraggs (2-54) also claimed two victims.

It was left to David Griffiths (19*) and Garry King (13*) to see Bere home in the final over.

Meanwhile, Mark House’s unbeaten half-century guided Wimborne & Colehill to the top of the table.

The Minstermen reached the summit after surging to a six-wicket win over previous leaders Dorchester at the Leaze.

In a rain-affected game reduced to 35 overs per side, Wimborne’s decision to field first proved a shrewd move.

The visitors, who had not been bowled out all season, were instantly in trouble as Ed Bartlett (3-10) ripped through their top order.

He dismissed Dan Belt (0), Will Caldwell (11) and Bharat Popli (6) before Wimborne skipper Tom Caines (3-29) also got in on the act.

Dorchester were eventually bowled out for a modest 118 with three deliveries unused.

House (64*) was at the crease early on after former Dorset all-rounder Belt removed Wimborne opener Colin Randall (0) first ball.

The number three played a pivotal innings, striking 11 fours and one six from 81 deliveries.

Graham Cole (11*) was also unbeaten as Wimborne took top spot by a solitary point.

Elsewhere, James Kirk claimed four wickets as hosts Poole Town made light work of Stalbridge’s batting order.

The opening bowler returned figures of four for 28 at Poole Park as the visitors were dismissed for a meagre 65.

There were also wickets for Dameth Gunawardena (3-11), Badrul Alam (2-10) and Joe Wormington (1-11).

Having elected to bat first, Poole sealed an 87-run victory, with Alam (44) and Gunawardena (27) helping them reach 152 all out earlier in the day.