Christchurch fired a warning to the Wessex League’s big guns on a weekend of upsets in the increasingly unpredictable Premier Division.

Graham Kemp’s men continued their excellent form against title contenders Wimborne Town with a 2-1 victory at Hurn Bridge.

The win maintained Priory’s fine recent run and reminded the league’s top dogs that a handful of teams have emerged from the pack with much stronger credentials this term.

Last season saw Poole dominate the division, but a closer battle is unfolding this time around, with Dolphins and main rivals Wimborne appearing more vulnerable to the likes of surprise packages Christchurch, Bournemouth Poppies and Bemerton Heath Harlequins.

“We’re over our early-season blip,” said Hurn Bridge chief Kemp.

“We’re more of a unit now and we’ve got a great squad, as people saw on Saturday.

“The lads never cease to amaze me. Their attitude and commitment is better than any club I’ve been at.

“They are definitely the best bunch of lads I’ve had as a manager. We’ve had too many great results for it to be a fluke.”

Priory showed their fighting spirit by coming back from Scott Joyce’s opener to overhaul the much-fancied Magpies.

Tom Price laid on Ben Osborne’s equaliser before the same players combined to make the most of a mistake from Wimborne keeper Nick Hutchings, who took too much time dealing with a backpass and paid the penalty.

“It was a great team performance,” added Kemp.

“Collectively, every person played a part and we deserved to win.

“But it’s only October, so it’s still early days.”

Wimborne boss Alex Browne refused to be too critical of his players, preferring to keep what was said in the dressing room between him and his team.

He said: “My players have been good. Up until now, we’ve had good performances and results, but it just wasn’t to be.

“There were a few things said in the changing room but I’ll keep that in the changing room.

“We’ll regroup. We’ve got a good bunch of lads.

“They will be disappointed and they want to get positive results, I’m sure.”

The setback will have been made even more frustrating for Browne, given that his side failed to capitalise on a rare defeat for the reigning champions at Tatnam.

Christchurch: Kearn, Costello, Dan Taylor, Lucas, Linpow, Lawrence, Smith, Fairbrother, Osborne (Hatch, 88), Price, Burden. Unused subs: Dand, Manning, Keates, Bernard.

Wimborne: Hutchings, Wilson, Lockyer, N Walker (Haysom, 66), M Walker, Whitcher, Green, Stokoe, Joyce, Clarke, McCormick. Unused subs: Moore, Browne, Walker-Harris.