FERNDOWN Wayfarers stole a march on Swanage by claiming a narrow two-wicket win over their arch rivals for the Division One crown.

The Sunday heavyweights enjoyed a battle royale for the title last season, with Ferndown Wayfarers prevailing following an epic final day.

All-rounder Ian Booth paved the way for Swanage to set a challenging total at Dolmans Farm after the visitors had won the toss and elected to bat.

Booth (109) remained unbeaten at the close and shared a 174-run stand for the third wicket with Ricky King (47) as Swanage posted 199 for three.

In reply, Craig McLean (64) and Niall Snook (24) put on 95 for the first wicket before both fell victim to Swanage skipper Ron Barker (2-25).

And although wickets fell at regular intervals as Elliott Baczala (4-27), a 15-year-old debutant, threatened to turn the tide in Swanage’s favour, a vital contribution from evergreen Eric Linge (47) proved decisive in the final reckoning.

• Newly-promoted Christchurch were on the receiving end of a 56-run defeat by St Georges, despite the best efforts of man of the weekend Mike Kitson.

Kitson (72), who scored a ton for Wimborne & Colehill on Saturday, was the mainstay as Christchurch replied with 179, with Brett Spicer (31) also offering strong resistance at the top of the order.

However, although Kitson went for just 12 from his eight-over spell, St Georges’s 235 for six proved well out of Christchurch’s reach.

• Bournemouth’s troubles at the foot of the table intensified following a 25-run reverse at the hands of Shillingstone at Chapel Gate.

Although Jake Hurley (2-22) returned a tidy spell, Matt Salisbury (46) led the way as Shillingstone posted 236 for seven.

And while Hurley (66) and Jonny Coombs (54) gave Bournemouth a solid platform after putting on 114 for the first wicket, only George Russell (19) and Rob Smith (19) backed them up as the Lions were castled for 211.

• Winton (140-1) coasted to a nine-wicket victory over last season’s Division Two champions Fovant (139).