RUN machine Ian Booth crafted another fine century to set up Swanage’s convincing seven-wicket win over Premier Division strugglers Dorchester.

Booth (101) shared for the fourth wicket a chanceless 152-run stand with Ben Baczala (46), the pair remaining undefeated as Swanage coasted over the line at Day’s Park.

Dorchester’s decision to bat first appeared to have backfired after Ryan Norman, Ricky King and Mike Hernandez had combined to reduce them to 101 for five.

However, their innings was rescued by Sam Goodhew (87) and 16-year-old debutant Dan Morris (52) who helped guide them to a respectable 223 for eight with Norman claiming four wickets and Baczala two.

The Swanage reply got off to an unconvincing start and two early wickets for James Dunham and one for Morris had the visitors scenting a much-needed victory as the hosts wobbled at 72 for three, leaving the contest very much in the balance.

But the pendulum swung back in Swanage’s favour after Baczala joined Booth at the crease, the pair mixing solid defence with some expansive cover drives to see them home at 224 for three.

Booth’s 19th century for the club ensured Swanage recorded a crucial win over the County town outfit as they moved 32 points clear of bottom-placed Dorchester with four games remaining.

Ferndown Wayfarers maintained their challenge for the runners-up spot by easing to a five-wicket win over Wimborne & Colehill at Dolman’s Farm.

Dean Elsworthy and Eric Linge were both instrumental as Wayfarers claimed the derby bragging rights by condemning Wimborne & Colehill to a fourth successive defeat.

A couple of promising partnerships involving Chris Dunk (69) put Wimborne & Colehill on target to post a challenging total.

After opener Colin Randall (35) had made a good start, Dunk shared 73 for the fourth wicket with Ash Collison (47) and then put on 50 with Graham Cole (24) for the fifth.

However, after reaching 207 for four, Wimborne & Colehill lost their final six wickets for the addition of just 31 and were dismissed for 238 (Elsworthy 3-33, Andrew Armstrong 3-43, Linge 2-61).

Wayfarers made light work of their reply with Elsworthy (87) dominating a second-wicket stand of 99 with Jordan Warren after opener Neil Sexton (22) had given them a platform.

And after Warren had been removed by Collison and Elsworthy caught by Cole off the bowling of Dunk, Linge (55) remained undefeated as Wayfarers polished them off at 239 for five with more than eight overs to spare.