SWANAGE III 172 (5pts) lost to WEYMOUTH II 173-3 (20pts) by seven wickets
WEYMOUTH Seconds secured the County Division Six title in style with a comfortable seven-wicket win at Swanage Thirds.
Seasiders' skipper Andy Jarvis led from the front, taking a hat-trick on his way to 4-17 as Swanage were dismissed for 172 before Weymouth chased their target for the loss of just three wickets.
A young Swanage side opted to bat first but Sam Polley (2-19) struck twice in six overs.
Sam Wells (22) and David Alcock (52) then shared a stand of 75 before Jackson Jose (2-24) helped check Swanage to 157-4 after only 30 overs.
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Jarvis then grabbed a hat-trick in his second over, with the ever-reliable Graham Puckett returning 2-9 wickets to mop up the tail for an under-par total of 172.
Weymouth's openers went about the task in style, with Lawrie West (64) and Brian Keane (30) putting on 88 for the first wicket.
Despite losing two wickets in short time, Tom Reed saw the away side home with a quickfire 51 not out from 34 balls, including five fours and two sixes, as the title headed to Redlands.
Jarvis said: "I’m delighted that the seconds have managed to lift the title with a game to go, despite having to call on no fewer than 37 players, some of whom have only played once.
"We’ve struggled with availability throughout the season, but prevailed thanks to a combination of great team spirit and players stepping up to the mark when required.
"Our only loss was against Bournemouth, where we battled bravely with only eight players. A disappointing aspect has been the lack of younger players coming through, an issue we hope to be able to address next season.”
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