CAPTAIN Kristian Wilson praised the Dorset Saturday League’s new format after Poole Town’s sixth consecutive victory had secured the championship with a match to spare.

Dolphins crushed Weymouth by 184 runs at Poole Park with Jamie Thomson (30*) and Wilson (40*) finishing their innings with a flourish on 297 for seven.

The title was secured before the win had been confirmed as Jamie Thomas (4-21) reduced the visitors to 66 for seven before Weymouth were eventually dismissed for 113.

County chiefs split the top and bottom half into two groups to finish the season, with Poole winning all five matches since being pitched against those in the top half.

Wilson told the Daily Echo: “Playing better quality opposition in the second half of the season suited us, we treated every game as a cup final and it was easier for the lads to get up for it.

“We hit form at the right time and seemed to get better as the season went on. We have played some excellent cricket and hopefully we can complete the set against Broadstone.”

He continued: “We have had excellent levels of availability throughout the season. Having a settled side with up to 15 players to choose from on a regular basis has give us good competition for places and made a real difference.”

Wilson dedicated the success to the club’s volunteers and thanked Pete Dooker, Dave Miller, Geoff Miller and Marion Miller for their hard work behind the scenes.

Elsewhere, Parley (256) beat Broadstone (205) by 51 runs, while in the Group B Swanage (87) lost to Stalbridge (134) and Ferndown Wayfarers (116-6) secured a four-wicket success over Wimborne & Colehill (115).