SKIPPER Jamie Thomas watched Poole Town defeat the reigning champions but refused to get carried away by his side’s title prospects.

Poole, last season’s runners-up, displayed their credentials by beating arch rivals Parley on Saturday.

Having scored 200 for eight batting first, Poole dismissed Parley for 195 to earn a five-run victory.

But when asked if his side could go one better this summer, Thomas told the Echo: “It is hard to say at the moment.

“Parley are a very strong side and it was a very close game on Saturday.”

Poole won the toss and batted first but found themselves reduced to 61 for four in the 19th over.

A partnership of 62 between Badrul Alam (45*) and Steve Wilson (31) kickstarted the recovery, before useful contributions from Dave Miller (23) and Thomas (21 from 10 deliveries), together with 41 extras, saw them reach a respectable total.

All-rounder Raj Naik (2-52) was Parley’s most successful bowler and Sam Thomson (1-13) was extremely economical from his 10 overs.

And in reply, Parley found themselves in a strong position at 85 for two in the 20th over.

Mitch Baker hit 68 but the defending champions were in trouble at 164 for nine in the 43rd over. Parley still managed to get within reach of an unlikely victory but Kristian Wilson (2-47) claimed the final wicket to ensure 20 points for Poole.

Steve Wilson (2-19) and Andy Groome (2-32) were the other notable Poole performers.

• Broadstone captain Sam Chapman admitted he thought his team were “dead and buried” before claiming a miraculous tie against Wimborne and Colehill.

The hosts looked in pole position to chase down Broadstone’s 219 for six when they required two off the final two deliveries of the clash at The Leaze.

But a run out off the penultimate ball was followed by Steve Birrell clean bowling Rob Hatchard as the teams recorded identical scores.

Chapman said: “We were more than happy with the tie because I thought they were going to win.”

Broadstone’s Matt Thomas (58) was the game’s top scorer.

• Aaron Brown carried his bat for an unbeaten century as Suttoners chased a sizeable target to win at Stalbridge.

Paul McCann claimed three wickets as the hosts posted 235 for eight batting first.

But Suttoners got home with five wickets and more than six overs to spare – thanks largely to the efforts of Brown.

Captain Clive Johns described as “absolutely awesome” Brown’s mammoth knock, while Taylor Broadbent also hit a half-century.

• Elsewhere, Dorchester (117-1) thumped Blandford (116) by nine wickets and Weymouth (199) were 21-run victors against Ferndown Wayfarers (178).