POOLE Town took charge of the race for the Dorset Premier League title after overcoming previous leaders Dorchester.

Badrul Alam was the star performer with the ball in the hosts’ 75-run victory at Poole Park, which put them one point above the county town side with two games remaining.

Having lost the toss and been asked to bat first, a number of Poole batsmen failed to capitalise on good starts.

Jacques Van Wyk top scored with 34 from just 32 deliveries, while Brewster Surridge (31), Alam (29) and Mike Stonier (25) all chipped in.

Poole posted a modest 195 for six from their 50 overs – but the total proved more than enough to set up victory.

Alam returned impressive figures of four for eight from his 10 overs – a performance which included five maidens.

He was backed up by Joe Wormington (2-24) and James Kirk (2-32) as Dorchester could only muster 120 for nine in reply.

Elsewhere in the Division, Christchurch all-rounder Liam Bowater starred with bat and ball in his side’s 125-run win over Dorset Premier League rivals Broadstone.

Coming in at number seven, Bowater struck a rapid 57 from just 27 deliveries to help propel the hosts to 240 for nine batting first at Hurn Bridge.

He then claimed three for 17 having opened the bowling as Broadstone were skittled out for 115 in reply.

Ben Francis (68) also impressed with the bat for Christchurch, who recorded a maximum 20 points.