SUTTONERS skipper Clive Johns believes the chasing pack is playing for third place after predicting a two-horse race for the title between Parley and Poole Town.

Johns, who masterminded Suttoners’ return to the top flight last year, has guided them to fourth position at the halfway point of the season.

But despite their lofty perch, Johns is convinced the battle for honours will again be fought out by reigning champions Parley and Poole Town, last season’s runners-up.

Johns told the Daily Echo: “Parley, Poole, Dorchester and Broadstone are the four main contenders. We have played Parley and Poole but haven’t played the other two.

“From what I have seen, Poole are a very strong batting unit and Parley are very strong all round. Perhaps Parley’s bowling is not as strong as it has been in previous years, but I think it will be between them.

“Having said that, they will have to make sure they are on their toes because everybody can beat everybody on their day. In my opinion, Parley and Poole are the most consistent.”

Johns chipped in with valuable late runs as Suttoners edged to a two-wicket win over Ferndown Wayfarers on Saturday.

Paul McCann (4-26), Paul Hard-ing (3-40) and Ashley Wallace (2-31) restricted Ferndown Wayfarers to 187 before Aaron Brown and Wallace made a flying start to their reply.

However, after Brown (33) had perished, Wallace (71) watched wickets tumble at regular intervals as Suttoners lurched to 144 for seven.

Jamie Gawler joined Frankie Fitzjohn to steady the ship before Johns (19) and Fitzjohn (29) steered Suttoners home.

Johns added: “Most teams bat past eight and nine in this division and you are never comfortable until you have won.

“I am happy with the first half of the season. We have got a good side and are getting stronger. It is good to be back playing a reasonable standard again.”

Parley maintained pole position following a comfortable five-wicket victory over rivals Dorchester.

Alex Nippard (4-34) and Tom Barber (3-43) did most of the damage as Dorchester were shot out for 164, while Raj Naik (1-5) gave little away during his seven-over spell.

In reply, Parley put on 97 for the first wicket before Mitch Baker (48) and Sam Collins (31) both went in quick succession.

Tom Jacques (23) and Naik (30*) added 34 for the third wicket before captain Roshan Embalagama hit a boundary to secure the win at 167 for five.

Poole Town surrendered valuable points despite recording an 11-run victory in an eventful and low-scoring affair against Wimborne & Colehill.

However, after collapsing to 11 for four, Poole would have been thankful for small mercies as they recovered to post a modest 150 for nine.

On a rain-affected track, Rob Hatchard (6-35) – assisted by three stumpings from James Miller – and Gavin Wills (2-14) from 10 overs gave Poole much to ponder with Dave Miller (51) and Dave Mutton (40) both making vital contributions.

Although Wimborne & Colehill reached 72 for one through Andy Hayward (32) and Ben Bridgen (29), the introduction of Steve Wilson turned the tide as they slumped to 82 for five.

And with the run rate increasing, Wimborne & Colehill finished on 139 for nine with Wil-son (4-26) and Jamie Thomas (2-37) the pick of the Poole bowlers.

Stalbridge (251-8) beat Weymouth (204) by 47 runs, while Broadstone’s clash at Blandford was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.