Nationwide Sun Awnings Dorset League Division Three

Fovant 219-4 bt Poole Town II 170 by 49 runs

(at Poole Park)

FOVANT consolidated their position at the top of the table with this emphatic victory against their closest rivals.

They were given their usual solid start by Mike Thatcher who made a stylish 37, and Tim Horn who shared an opening partnership of 70 from 23 overs.

Mark Allen took 2-30 from 11 steady overs, but the scoring was accelerated by Neal Stevens, 24, and Horn who made his second century of the season before succumbing through fatigue in the penultimate over for a superb 113.

Poole began their reply in front of a sizeable crowd of holidaymakers basking in the hot sunshine and a large flock of Canada Geese who seemed to sense a close finish.

Openers John Pilley, 49, and Mike Talbot, 17, made a good start and Graham Hassell hit 23 before being dismissed in a bizarre manner, caught by Andy Dunford via Peter Catarinella's shoulder.

John Thomas made a threatening 31, but teenager Paul Wylie bowled ten immaculate overs to finish with 5-46 on his debut for the club.

He was supported by some excellent fielding, in particular from Donald Smith, and Andy Dunford, 3-17, who wrapped up the Poole innings to confirm Fovant's seventh consecutive victory.