Swanage recorded a maximum haul after their 56-run victory over Shillingstone, but it wasn’t enough to stay in the title race.

Despite a convincing victory, St Georges’ emphatic win over Cranborne means that the gap at the top is too big for Ron Barker’s men to close.

Swanage made life difficult for themselves at the start, labouring their way to 56 for five, but a 58-run partnership between Matt Thomas (41) and Ben Baczala (34) added much-needed runs, while Ian Booth (41*) stood out as the visitors reached a total of 189-7.

Ricky King (1-16) took an early wicket to settle any nerves, but it was Baczala (5-25) who stole the show following an outstanding display with the ball as Shillingstone were dismissed for 133.

Meanwhile, Cranborne captain Dave Coy is still confident his side can snare second place despite a seven-wicket defeat to the newly-crowned champions. Carl Poore (14) and Phil Park (12) did their best, but imperious bowling from Paul McCann (4-5) and Tim Goodhew (4-14) saw the hosts dismissed for 59 before St Georges eased to the required total.

Swanage have just one game left, against St Georges, with Cranborne needing to close a gap of 22 points in their final two matches against Fovant and Winton.

Bournemouth remained bottom of the table after a six-wicket defeat to Fovant. Dan Message (45) and Jake Hurley (37) top scored, but the Chapel Gate outfit were all out for 142 thanks to fierce Fovant bowling from Tom Pearce (4-26) and Owain Phillips (3-15).

The visitors coasted to victory through Rob Pittman (72*) and Shaun Dixon (23*).

Elsewhere, Winton recorded a six-wicket win at Ferndown Wayfarers to move within six points of their fourth-placed opponents with an extra game to play.