Saturday 3rd May
On Saturday, Swanage 1st XI travelled to Corfe Mullen in their opening Division One encounter. The hosts inserted Swanage on a lively wicket and after losing 2 quick wickets The Swans recovered to 84-4 with David Haines making 27 and Ben Baczala 26. Sadly, Swanage collapsed from this position and lost their last 6 wickets for 27 runs to be shot out for just 111. In reply, Swanage made early in-roads into the hosts batting through Chris Leak who claimed (4-26) and Ben Baczala who took (3-7) to leave the hosts reeling at 45-8. Unfortunately for Swanage some lusty blows from Corfe Mullens’ last two batsmen saw them scramble to a fortunate 1 wicket victory leaving Swanages’ young side to contemplate what might have been.

Sunday 4th May
On Sunday, Swanage 1st XI played host to Gillingham in their first Division 3 match following last seasons’ championship. Swans’ won the toss and inserted the visitors in a rain-affected game of 36 overs per side. Gillingham got off to a flying start but were pegged back by Paul Higham who took 4 wickets to reduce the visitors to (121-5). Two wickets from Ben Baczala and a couple of run-outs helped restrict Gillingham to 157. In reply, Swanage were soon in trouble at (56-6) and despite an excellent unbeaten (35) from Dan White – the hosts made a meagre (116-9) from their allotted 36 overs. This defeat is a wake-up call for Swanage after last years’ promotion.

Swanage 2nd XI’s skipper – Terry White won the toss in their first match and with rain in the air inserted their hosts Pokesdown Willows. Against some tight bowling by Steve Carpenter 1-6 off 5 overs and Roger Wilcox (4-17) off 12 with 7 maidens. Pokesdown lost early wickets and were struggling at 39 for 6. Despite some late order hitting Terry White (3-15) and Jack Thompson (2-21)cleaned up the tail to reduce Pokesdown to just (79). In reply, Swanage started steadily with Pete Dyer (29) dropping anchor. He was ably assisted by useful contributions from Chris Carpenter, Will Baker and Roger Wilcox as a youthful Swanage side won by 3 wickets.

Saturday 10 May
On Saturday, Swanage 1stXI played hosts to Shroton in their first home Division 1 encounter of the season looking to bounce back after last weeks’ narrow defeat.
After being inserted the visitors made steady progress against some wayward bowling to reach 85 for the loss of just 2 wickets. However, their momentum was halted by a fantastic spell of hostile bowling by Ben Briscoe who bagged 4 wickets from his 10 overs. Despite this Shroton still managed to make 200 with Pat Yerby claiming his 3rd and the final wicket in the last over. Swanage’s reply got off to the worst possible start and the hosts were reeling at 44-4. The innings was then rescued by a half-century partnership between Briscoe and Paul Higham. A cameo innings from Skipper Nick Bishop then upped the momentum and with plenty of overs in hand it looked as though he and Higham were producing a match winning partnership. Sadly it wasn’t to be as Bishop then fell to a one handed tumbling catch to leave Higham and the tail to edge closer. Despite brave efforts from Pete Barker, Lewis Kirby and Ricky King in support of Higham it wasn’t to be as wickets continued to fall at key times and the hosts fell an agonising 8 runs short of their target. Higham was last man out for a brilliantly constructed knock of 58 including 6 boundaries.

Sunday 11 May
On Sunday, Swanage 1st XI travelled to Winton in their latest Division 3 game. Swanage won the toss and despite a quick-fire 25 from Ian Perry were soon in deep trouble at 61-6. The innings was rescued by a half-century stand between Ben Briscoe who struck 27 and Ben Baczala. Baczala finished unbeaten on 37 but the visitors were dismissed for just 132 In reply, the hosts were also quickly in trouble at 10-3 thanks to a brilliant opening spell by Paul Higham who claimed (3-28). Tim Edgar took (3-32) and Briscoe (2-25) reduced the hosts’ to 119-7 but despite Swans’ best efforts Winton limped home to win by 2 wickets.

There is no match report for the Sunday 2nd XI defeat in their friendly against neighbours Corfe.

Saturday 17May
On Saturday, Swanage 1st XI travelled to Sherborne in their latest Division 1 encounter. After being inserted on a lively wicket Swanage made a steady start through James Harris and Mat Thomas who made 20 and 21 respectively guiding Swanage to 44-1 off 17 overs. Disaster then struck as the visitors lost 7 wickets for just 21 runs to be reeling at 62-8. Despite a few lusty blows from Ricky King the visitors’ were dismissed for a paltry 95. In reply, a devastating spell of hostile bowling from Paul Higham – who bagged 6 wickets from his allotted 10 overs left the hosts’ in deep trouble at 14-6. Despite this precarious position Sherborne reached their target with some late order hitting and inspite of 2 wickets from Ben Briscoe the hosts scrambled to a 1 wicket victory.

Sunday 18 May
On Sunday, Swanage 1st XI played hosts to Christchurch in their latest Division 3 game. Swanage inserted the visitors’ in overcast conditions – a decision they were beginning to regret as the visitors’ reached 99-1 off 22 overs. Despite this Swanage never gave up and battled right until the end, claiming 3 late wickets and restricting Christchurch to 216-5 off their 45 overs. In reply, Swanage got off to a great start with an opening stand of 75 between Mike Nash who made a fluent 41 and David Haines who struck 25. The momentum was kept up by Paul Higham who hit a majestic 33 before being unluckily run out and Ashley King who stroked a rapid 26. When he departed, Swans’ needed 80 off the last 10 overs. Enter Ben Briscoe who smashed an enterprising

40 off just 35 balls and Ricky King who struck 20 off only 17 balls to guide Swanage to a much needed, thrilling 2 wicket victory off the last ball.

Also on Sunday the 2nd XI had a comfortable 7 wicket victory against Ibberton in their Division 6 match. Ibberton were shot out for just 37 with Mike Wells and Richard Perry both claiming 3 wickets. Swans’ had no trouble in reaching their victory target with Adam King and Chris Carpenter guiding them to their 2nd league win of the season.

Saturday 24 May
On Saturday, Swanage entertained ‘top-of-the-table’ Stalbridge in their latest Division 1 encounter. Swanage elected to bat first and got off to a solid start reaching 62-2 with Mat Thomas making 22 and Chris Leak 26. The hosts’ then lost 3 quick wickets and were reeling at 89-5. The innings was rescued by a half-century partnership between Mike Nash and Nick Bishop who both played fluently making 31 and 37 respectively. Another flurry of wickets left Swans’ back in trouble at 172-9 but a fantastic last wicket stand of 41 between Pete Kirby 22 not out and Ricky King 21 guided Swans’ to a respectable total of 213. In reply, the visitors’ were soon in trouble due to an excellent spell of bowling by Ben Baczala who claimed a 5 wicket haul from his allotted 10 overs to leave Stalbridge with all sorts of problems at 63-6. The rest of the attack all supported Baczala brilliantly with Chris Leak taking 2 wickets, Pete Kirby, Ricky King and Paul Higham also claimed one apiece to dismiss the leaders’ for just 147 and complete a much needed, comprehensive victory for Swanage.

Sunday 25 May
The Swans 1st XI fixture away to Broadstone was called off after the home team left the pitch covers off overnight. However, the Swans 2nd XI continued their 100% winning start to the season by beating the visiting Broadstone 2nds by 5 wickets in their Division 6 encounter. After being inserted the visitors struggled on a wicket offering bounce and movement of the seam and slumped

to 76-7 before later resistance enabled them to rally to 146 all out. Richard Perry (2-15), Mike Wells (3-19) and Sam Price (3-25) took the bowling honours. The Swans made steady progress in their reply with Chris Carpenter (10) looking to play an anchor role whilst Adam King (30) Ashley King (19) and Will Baker (13) took advantage of any loose Broadstone bowling. However, wickets still fell at regular intervals and with the score on 96-5 the game was hanging in the balance. Fortunately though Mike Wells and Sam Price then put together an unbeaten 51 run partnership to see the Swan’s to victory in the 37th over. This win put the Swans at the top of the league table and looking forward to next weeks clash with second place Charlton Down.

Saturday 31 May

On Saturday, Swanage 1stXI played host to Bournemouth in their latest Division One encounter. After being put in to bat, Swanage were made to toil against the visitors’ two Oversea’s stars and were reduced to 69-8 before Ricky King who struck 20 and Ben Briscoe brought some respectability to the total. Briscoe, who finished unbeaten on 35 was joined by Pete Kirby 25 in a half-century last wicket stand to enable the hosts to reach 145 which at least gave them something to bowl at. In reply, Briscoe bowled a fantastic spell of hostile bowling claiming incredible figures of 10-6-12-3 to reduce Bournemouth to 25-3. Swanage continued to bowl and field excellently taking wickets at regular intervals with Kirby taking 3 of them to leave the visitors’ reeling at 102-9. But despite Swans’ best efforts they could not claim the vital last wicket and Bournemouth reached their target in the penultimate over leaving Swans’ to reflect on yet another narrow defeat.

Sunday 1 June
The 1st XI entertained Sherborne in their latest Division 3 match. Despite winning the toss Swanage were soon in trouble at 29-3 but were rescued by a 65 run partnership between NickBishop and Ben Briscoe who made 31 and 32 respectively. The momentum was carried on by a spectacular knock of 41 by Ricky King, who was ably supported by Dan White and together they guided Swans’ to competitive total of 181-8. In response, the visitors’ got off to a solid start putting on 45 for the first wicket. However, the game changed when Tim Edgar came on and in a superb spell of bowling captured 4 wickets as wickets began to fall at regular intervals. Briscoe and Paul Higham then both claimed a brace of wickets as Sherborne were finally reduced to 163-9 to complete a hard fought victory for the Swans
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Swanage 2nd XI were left to rue missed opportunities in their 91 run defeat at Charlton Down in their Division 6 league encounter on Sunday. Indeed, that they got this close to the home teams 210 was due to a wonderful 76 from Pete Dyer and a determined 23 from Roger Wilcox which enabled the Swan's to recover from a disastrous 9-5 to a more respectable 131 all out. However, had more of the upper order shown equal spirit then victory would have been a distinct possibility and welcome reward for the Swans efforts in the field. This was led by Steve Carpenter (3-26), Mike Wells (2-24) and Richard Perry (1-22) but also included two fine run outs as Charlton Down lost their last 7 wickets for 50 runs. Fortunately, Pete Dyers’ effort was not completely wasted as his mix of weighty drives and watchful defence ensured the Swans collected 3 valuable batting points when at one stage none looked likely.

"THOMAS TANKS’ THE OPPOSITION"

16 year-old sensation Matt Thomas had an amazing weekend - he smashed a sublime 133 against Weymouth on Saturday and followed this up with an incredible club record 191 not out against Portland on Sunday.

Saturday 7th June
On Saturday, Swanage entertained Weymouth in their latest Division 1 encounter. Despite losing an early wicket Swans’ recovered due to a century partnership between Thomas and Chris Leak who struck a fluent 46. When Leak departed the momentum was kept up by Thomas and Paul Higham who together took the score up towards 200 with a half-century stand before Higham fell for a classy 37. Thomas brought up his century with a towering six but was finally dismissed for a majestic 133 – his innings also included 22 other boundaries, with some lusty blows from the tail the hosts’ amassed a formidable 259-8. In response to Swans’ massive total the visitors’ were soon in deep trouble due to Swans’ opening bowlers – Higham and Ben Briscoe. They both claimed a brace of wickets to leave Weymouth reeling at 44-4. The pressure was maintained by a fantastic spell of swing bowling by Chris Leak who took 3 wickets, the visitors’ never recovered from this and were restricted to 158-9 from their 45 overs.

Sunday 8th June
On Sunday, Swanage 1st XI travelled to ‘table-toppers’ Ferndown in their latest Division 3 encounter. Swanage were soon in trouble against a hostile spell of bowling by the hosts’ Southern

League player. The only resistance came from Toby Avery who made a solid 38. The innings was given some respectability by Paul Higham who struck a quick-fire 34 to guide Swanage to 154 which at least gave them something to bowl at. In reply, despite 2 early wickets from Higham, Ferndown appeared to be cruising to victory due to a sensational half-century from their Southern League star. He was finally dismissed by Pete Barker who went on to claim another wicket and at 100-6 Swans’ were in with a great chance. However, despite the visitors’ best efforts the hosts maintained their 100% record.

In the Sunday 2nd XI match against Portland - Matt Thomas broke all records at Day Park with a quite superb knock of 191 not out against visitors Portland in their Division 6 League encounter. Not only did this set a new record for the highest individual score for the club but in doing so Matt also became the first ever Swans player to score a league century on consecutive days AND amass 300 runs in a single weekend. His majestic innings was peppered with classic drives and pulls off both front and back foot and included 29 boundaries to all parts of the outfield as the Swanage innings ended on 309 - 4. Although Matt rightly stole the batting honours Lewis Kirby (24) looked equally untroubled in an unbroken 5th wicket partnership of 79. The Portland reply never got going as Richard Perry (3-9), Terry White (3-10) and Sam Price (2-15) proved too accurate and the visitors were shot out for 55 in just over 25 overs. A handsome victory for the Swans 2nd XI but the day, and indeed, weekend, rightly belonged to Matt.

Saturday 14th June

On Saturday Swanage 1stXI played hosts to Beaminster in their latest Division One encounter. The visitors’ got off to a strong start reaching 93 in the 19th over before Pete Kirby was introduced into the attack to claim the first of his 3 wickets in an excellent spell of left-arm spin. Unfortunately, the hosts’ let themselves down in the field; dropping 6 catches and conceding over 50 runs in extras with only Paul Higham who took 2-32 making any impression on the visitors’ batting line-up. Beaminster finished with a formidable 252-9 from their allotted 50 overs. In pursuit of this big total Swans’ got off to a disastrous start losing a wicket in the first over. The in-form Matt Thomas batted beautifully making a fluent 43 before he was brilliantly caught out with the score on 91. This led to a middle order collapse which saw Swans’ lose 4 wickets for just 21 runs in just 6 overs. Higham and Ben Briscoe made 22 and 20 respectively to bring some respectability to the total, however, Swans’ were finally dismissed for a disappointing 150 – leaving them precariously placed just above the relegation places.


Sunday 15th June
On Sunday Swanage 1stXI entertained Bere Regis in their latest Division 3 match. Swanage got off to a solid start through Matt Thomas and Toby Avery who added 61 for the first wicket. Avery departed for 21, but the momentum was kept-up by a fantastic 88 run partnership between Thomas and Mike Nash who made a fluent 41, when he was out, Thomas soon followed for a majestic 73 and the Swanage middle order collapsed. The innings was rescued by a superb half-century by Tom Wake-Walker – he guided the lower order to a very competitive total of 232-6 of their allotted

45 overs. Bere Regis started very positively in reply reaching 59-1 off 16 overs when the rain started to come down heavily. After the break, the visitors’ had a revised target of 129 off 25 overs. Upon the resumption – Swanage took complete control through Tim Edgar and Captain Ron Barker who both bowled beautifully claiming 3 wickets apiece to restrict the Bere to 115-9. This comprehensive victory keeps Swans’ comfortably in the top half of the table.

Swanage 2nd XI made heavy weather of their match against Winton 3rds in their Division 6 encounter at Meyrick Park on Sunday but eventually ran out winners by 3 wickets. Winton started positively against some erratic bowling and fielding and were looking well placed at 104-2 after 25 overs. However Devisia and Wells then came on and together they started to peg back the run rate before a final flurry in the last few overs took the home team to 187-7. The Swanage reply was briefly delayed by rain which meant their target was reduced to 159 from 38 overs. Chris Carpenter (13) batted with his usual assuredness but it took a breezy 40 from Adam King to kick start the innings with some lusty blows. Lewis Kirby (40) then took up the challenge and played some delightful drives before falling with a handful of runs to go. A flurry of quick wickets then fell but Ben Cross stayed calm to hit the winning runs in the gathering gloom.

Saturday 21st June
On Saturday Swanage travelled to Broadstone in their latest Division One encounter. After being inserted on a lively, damp wicket the visitors’ were soon in trouble losing 2 early wickets. The innings was rescued by a half-century stand between Johnny Clark who stroked a majestic 39 and

Matt Thomas who made a solid 28. Unfortunately, these two fell in quick succession and the middle order collapsed. The only resistance came from Ben Briscoe who struck a quick-fire 29 to bring some respectability to the total as Swans’ were dismissed for a well below-par 145. Broadstone set off in pursuit at a blistering pace and had few alarms losing just 2 wickets as they cruised past Swans’ meagre score. This defeat leaves Swans’ in a tough relegation battle as the halfway point of the season approaches.

Sunday 22nd June
On Sunday the 1st XI visited Blandford in their latest Division 3 fixture looking to complete a hat-trick of victories. Swans’ won the toss and elected to bat on a fantastic batting wicket. This decision was vindicated as Matt Thomas and Mike Nash put on 69 for the first wicket. Nash fell for a fluent 39, however, the momentum was kept-up by a superb partnership of 88 in just 14 overs between Thomas and Nick Bishop. Bishop smashed 61 off just 40 balls – his knock included 10 boundaries, when he departed Thomas was joined by Ashley King. Thomas finally fell for a spectacular 79 with the score on 198. King took-up the mantle and scored a magnificent half-century to enable Swans’ to amass a formidable 261-5. Swanage bowled and fielded excellently with Tim Edgar the star performer bagging a five wicket haul from his ten overs – he was assisted by 3 stunning catches from Ben Baczala. This combination helped to leave the hosts’ reeling at 42-5. Paul Higham bowled beautifully claiming two and conceding just 9 runs from his 8 overs, together with Thomas who also took a brace of wickets Blandford were shot out for just 93. This crushing win leaves Swans’ on the fringes of the promotion places.

Saturday 28th June

On Saturday, Swanage 1stXI played hosts to Marnhull and were skittled out for just 95 with Ben Briscoe providing the only resistance with a well constructed 45. Marnhull had no problem in

reaching Swans’ total and completed a crushing 9 wicket win to leave Swans’ in relegation trouble.


Sunday 29th June
On Sunday at Ashmore, Mike Nash carried his bat notching up his first century of the season – his innings of 113 not out included 15 fours and a huge six to keep Swanage 1stXI on course for promotion at the midway point of the season. Swans’ batted first and lost 3 quick wickets before Nash found an able partner in the in-form Ashley King – together they compiled a century partnership (102) in just 18 overs to give the innings some much needed impetus. King was finally dismissed for an enterprising 49 which included 8 boundaries. Despite losing a couple of other partners Nash then brought up his century with a towering six and was joined by Ricky King – they put on a half century stand with King plundering 29 of just 12 balls. This enabled Swans’ to amass a formidable 246-6 of their allotted 45 overs. In reply, Ashmore got off to fantastic start reaching 69 before Ben Baczala came into the attack and claimed the wickets of both openers in successive balls to bring an abrupt halt to the hosts’ good start. Despite only taking 2 more wickets Ashmore never looked like reaching the Swans’ total and finished on 184-8. This comprehensive victory means Swanage have now won 7 of their last 8 matches and currently lie third just outside the promotion places.

Also, on Sunday Swanage 2ndXI were on the receiving end of a thrashing by Puddletown. Swans’ were shot out for just 51 and Puddletown needed only 9 overs to reach Swans’ meagre score for the loss of two wickets.

5/6 July

All the senior matches were called off over the 5/6th July weekend due to the weather.

Saturday 12 July
On Saturday Swanage travelled to Shroton in their latest Division One encounter. After winning the toss and inserting the opposition on a lively wicket, Swans’ soon had the hosts’ in trouble with Paul Higham taking 3 early wickets. Shroton never recovered from this and continued to lose wickets at regular intervals with Ben Baczala and Martin Stringer also claiming 3 wickets apiece along with Pete Kirby who struck twice to reduce the hosts’ to 123 all out. In reply, Swanage got off to the worst possible start losing a wicket to the first ball of the innings and not for the first time this season the top order were blown away and Swans’ were reeling at 29-6. And, although the two Kirbys’ Lewis and Pete gave Swanage a glimmer of hope, they were left with far too much to do as Swanage was dismissed for 67. This crushing 56 run defeat leaves Swans’ rooted to the bottom of the league with a very difficult relegation battle ahead.

Sunday 13 July
On Sunday the 1st XI continued their push for a promotion place in Division 3 with a resounding 108 run victory over second place Winton Sports First XI. Swans’ batted first on a slow wicket and reached 177 for 8 from their 45 overs, thanks mainly to a mature, intelligent innings of 63 not out from Ian Booth. Recognising what a difficult wicket it was to bat on, he restrained his natural attacking instincts to build a match winning innings, and was ably supported by Nick Bishop (33) and Paul Higham (24).

In reply Winton struggled from the start and once the two openers were removed thanks to excellent catches by Tim Edgar and Paul Higham, wickets fell regularly.
Three bowlers shared the honours, Martin Stringer on a fine debut taking 3 for 8, Ricky King 3 for 17, and Ben Baczala 2 for 8. Excellent fielding from the team and sharp wicket keeping from Lewis Kirby - who took 2 catches, supported the miserly bowling, moving Swanage closer to a promotion place.

As the Sunday 2nd XI was without a league fixture they played a friendly away to neighbours Corfe.

19 July
The Saturday side’s dismal run continued when they were well beaten by Sherborne at Days Park. The visitors’ batted first and got off to a solid start despite a fine spell of bowling by Ben Briscoe. Sherborne accelerated well through the middle overs and despite Higham and King each claiming a brace of wickets towards the end the visitors’ amassed 202-7. Swanage got off to the worst possible start losing two early wickets. A fine knock of 35 by Higham who was ably supported by King who made 21 bought some respectability to the total. However, this heavy defeat leaves Swans’ firmly rooted to the bottom of Division One.

20 July
On Sunday the 1st XI continued their quest for promotion from Division 3 with a crushing 86 run victory at Christchurch. Despite being inserted on a lively wicket Swanage got off to a fantastic start with a 140 run opening partnership between the in-form Mike Nash and Lewis Kirby. Nash was first to fall for a majestic 71 which included 10 boundaries he was followed soon after by Kirby who made a superb 66. The momentum of the innings was kept-up by two cameo knocks of 21 by stand-in skipper Paul Higham and Chris Leak. This enabled Swans’ to amass a competitive total of 210-5 from their allotted 45 overs. Christchurch were soon in trouble due to early wickets being taken by Higham and Ricky King. The hosts’ never recovered from this disastrous start and the middle order was ripped out by Ben Baczala and Chris Leak. The other two main wicket takers’ were Ian Booth who claimed 3 and Sam Price who bowled beautifully to take a brace. This comprehensive win moves Swans’ into the second promotion place.

The Sunday 2ndXI enjoyed a comfortable 87 run victory over Ibberton in their Division Six encounter at Days Park. Batting first Mike Wells (49) and Dan White (46) were soon on top of the visitors bowling and scoring freely in a partnership of 76. Upon their departure wickets fell regularly though fine knocks from Alex White (33) Ben Cross (22) Roger Wilcox (19) and Tatty King (13) guided the Swans to 231 all out. The Ibberton reply never got going as Richard Perry (3-19) grabbed quick

wickets with his bounce and pace. And, despite a brief period of resistance from the middle order – Benoi Devesia (3-14) and Terry White (2-24) ran through the lower order as the visitors were dismissed for 144.

26th July

On Saturday an inexperienced Swanage side travelled to leaders’ Stalbridge in their latest Division One encounter. After electing to bat on a good wicket Swanage got off to a solid start through Chris Leak and Paul Higham. When Leak departed , Higham was joined by skipper Nick Bishop and together they added a half-century partnership before Bishop was brilliantly run out. Higham continued to bat beautifully and received valuable support from Ben Baczala. Higham was eventually last man out for a sublime innings of 88 – which included 10 boundaries enabling Swanage to reach 181 to a least give themselves something to bowl at. In reply, Stalbridge got off to a disastrous start due to an excellent spell of swing bowling from Ricky King who removed both openers. The hosts’ middle order dug deep and showed why they are pushing for the Championship and appeared to be cruising to victory until an inspired spell of seam bowling from Ben Baczala – who claimed three quick wickets gave Swans’ renewed hope. Despite this, the hosts’ scrambled to a nail-biting two wicket win leaving Swans’ to contemplate what might have been.

27th July
On Sunday the 1stXI recorded their eighth victory in their last nine matches to consolidate their second place in Division three with an emphatic 222 run victory over lowly Broadstone. Swans’ batted first and got off to an explosive start through Charlie Wycherley and James Harris who together put on 59 for the first wicket. When Wycherley fell for a superb 44 the momentum of the innings was kept-up by the in-form Paul Higham who also struck 44 he received excellent support from Ben Baczala who made a quick-fire 29 but the star of the show was Dave Dyer who smashed 62 off just 35 balls which included three huge sixes. This enabled Swans’ to reach an imposing total of 259-6 off their 45 overs. In response the visitors’ top-order was completely blown-away by Tim Edgar who claimed two wickets in his first over. He was unplayable; extracting pace and bounce from the wicket. He finished with incredible figures of 9-3-11-7 as the visitors’ were dismissed for just 37.

Swanage Sunday 2nds also enjoyed a comfortable 129 run win in their away league match at Broadstone. After being put into bat the Swans looked in real trouble as they lost both openers cheaply but eventually amassed 223 from their allocated overs. Adam King and Dan White quickly got on top of the bowling to start the Swans recovery and were going well until King was given out LBW for a hard hitting 32. White continued to play aggressive strokes to all parts of the park and was ably assisted by Sam Price (34), Roger Wilcox (21) and Terry White (18) before he too fell for a wonderful 60. Broadstone's reply never got going with Wilcox (3-27) and Peter Barker (2-41) reducing the home team to 69-5. Alaistair Booth (2-11) and White (3-14) then carried on the good work as Broadstone were all out for 94. This was a good all round performance with everyone

playing their part to keep the pressure on the top two teams in the league.

2nd August
On Saturday, Swanage recorded only their 3rd victory of the season with a tense, hard-fought win in front of the Vice-Presidents’ against fellow relegation candidates Bournemouth. Swanage won the toss and inserted the visitors on an overcast afternoon. This decision appeared to have back-fired as Bournemouth made it to 69 without loss. The partnership was broken by a stunning direct hit in the field by Ashley King. Pete Kirby was then introduced into the attack and he produced a match winning spell of left-arm spin bowling claiming four wickets from his 10 overs. The wickets continued to fall regularly and the visitors’ were finally dismissed for a below-par 169. In reply, Swanage got off to a solid start with Ian Booth and Kirby both making 25. The middle order of Alastair Booth and Paul Higham who made 22 and 21 respectively appeared to be guiding Swans’ to an easy victory. However, a late order collapse left Captain Nick Bishop to smash 18 off an over to clinch this much needed, nail-biting win for his side. This victory gives Swans’ renewed hope of avoiding relegation in their last 4 matches.

3rd August

No play due to rain.

Saturday 9th August

The Saturday league match against Weymouth was rained off.

Sunday 10th August

Swanage Sunday 1st XI – second in Dorset Division Three entertained high-flying top-of-the-table Ferndown. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Swanage openers Tim Edgar and Paul Higham contained the opposition in their early spell and when Ricky King was introduced wickets

12 overs. He was ably assisted by Pete Barker who also took 3 wickets and a hat-trick of stunning catches by Chris Leak to help reduce Bere Regis to a below-par total of 134.

In reply, Swanage got off to a solid start through Mike Nash and Chris Leak who made 25 and 22 respectively. They both departed in quick succession and wickets began to fall at regular intervals leaving Swans’ under pressure until Paul Higham played a classy knock of 33. He was brilliantly caught leaving Ricky King who struck a fluent unbeaten 21 to guide Swans’ to a memorable one wicket win which keeps the side in pole-position for promotion with just 2 home games remaining.

Also on Sunday the 2nd XI enjoyed a 48 run victory over visitors Winton in their Division 6 encounter at Days Park. The home side began positively with an opening stand of 87 inside 18 overs before wickets began to fall regularly. However, Pete Dyer (73) and Charlie Parsons (40 not out) both played important knocks with some fine cover drives to help Swanage to 192-8 from their allotted overs. Given that Charlie Parsons has only just turned 14 and was making his senior debut his was a most impressive and composed innings in a testing situation, containing 5x4s and 1 x6. Although Winton had a strong batting line up they soon struggled in their reply and were reduced to 64-7 as Roger Wilcox (3-38) and Mike Wells (3-29) kept their usual steady line. Although a brief recovery then followed Sam Price (2-18) mopped up the tail as Winton were dismissed for 144. This win cemented 3rd place in the league for the Swans with 1 game left - a fine achievement for skipper Terry White and his team.

23rd August

Although there is no report of the Saturday XI’s match against Broadstone the result went against the Swans as they were all out for 141 chasing the visitors 213 for 7. Although Chris Leak (42) and Ian Booth (35) provided the main resistance with the bat the Swans are now doomed to play in Division 2 next season.

24th August

Swanage 1stXI entertained Blandford in their latest match as they looked to continue their promotion push. Swans’ lost the toss and were asked to field on a damp wicket. A good opening partnership of 57 was broken by ‘Golden-arm’ Ben Baczala who bowled beautifully and went on to claim 4 wickets for just 19 runs. The wickets’ continued to fall on a regular basis with skipper Ron Barker claiming his 2nd consecutive 4 wicket haul. The Swanage fielding was excellent, with the high point being a spectacular running catch from Ian Booth to dismiss the visitors’ danger man. This led to Blandford collapsing from 107-3 to a meagre total of just 128. In reply, Swans’ got off to a flying start through Mike Nash and Nick Bishop. Bishop struck a flamboyant, quick-fire 49 of just 30 balls to lay the foundations for a comfortable victory. Nash finished unbeaten on 29 and Ian Booth made a rapid 20 not out as Swans’ cruised to a comprehensive 8 wicket victory – their 10th in-a-row to leave them on the brink of their second consecutive promotion.

The Sunday 2nd XI did not have a league game.

Saturday 30 August

There is no match report of the Saturday 1st XI’s defeat at Marnhull.

Sunday 31 August

Swanage ‘superstar’ Dave Dyer stroked a majestic knock of 86 against Ashmore to secure Ron Barkers’ Sunday 1st team a second consecutive promotion - clinching their 11th successive victory claiming an incredible 215 points out of a possible 220 to go up to Division 2. Swans’ batted first and were indebted to a spectacular 55 run partnership between Nick Bishop who smashed a run-a-ball 35 and Dyer. He went on to score his fantastic innings of 86 which included 10 fours and 3 sixes. When he departed Swans’ were still struggling at 163-9 but they were rescued by a superb unbeaten last wicket half-century stand between Barker who made 15 and Ricky King who struck 35 with 5 boundaries including a towering six to enable Swans’ to post a competitive 213-9. In reply the visitors’ got off to a solid start reaching 49-2. The game changed with the introduction of Ben Baczala who claimed a brace of wickets and Chris Leak who recorded incredible figures of 5 wickets for just 11 runs from his 7 overs to shoot Ashmore out for a meagre total of 66 to secure yet another comprehensive win.

Swanage Sunday 2nds almost pulled off a fantastic win against unbeaten league Division 6 winners Puddletown on Sunday but eventually lost by 3 wickets in a low scoring match. After being asked to bat the Swan’s made steady progress and at 68-2 were well positioned to post a challenging total. However despite solid knocks from David Haines (15), Roger Wilcox, (15), Charlie Parsons (14) and Adam King (14) nobody was able to produce a big score and the innings eventually subsided on 122. Pete Barker (4-33) and Sam Price (1-15) then quickly reduced the home team to a perilous 44-6 before some lusty blows from the lower order saw the home side to victory. Although the final result was a disappointment to the Swans they were able to take pride in their battling performance on an artificial wicket and in their efforts throughout the season which saw them finish in third spot in the league.