MARK House hit a half century as Wimborne closed the gap on Dorset Premier League leaders Dorchester with a comfortable 50-run win over Stalbridge.

House's knock of 56 was the top score of the first innings, while Colin Randall (28), James Miller (44) and Lewis Freak (36) also made notable contributions as Wimborne closed on 198-6.

Stalbridge started well in reply before the wickets began to steadily tumble with Martin Barker (3-25) the pick of the bowlers as the visitors fell short at the Leaze.

Frank Turrell and Robert Hatchard took two wickets apiece for the hosts, who close the gap to the top to 12 points.

Leaders Dorchester were also victorious, but picked up a point fewer than Wimborne for their win against Poole Town.

Poole duo Joe Wormington and Badrul Alam both claimed three wickets to reduce Dorchester to 168-9. But that proved to be enough as Poole fell 14 runs short, despite a knock of 56 from opener Mike Stonier and Christopher Van Rensburg's unbeaten 26.

Elsewhere, Christchurch took the spoils from their short trip to Broadstone.

In a rain-reduced contest, the hosts posted a score of 188-5 with Ashley Collison (79) top scoring, but an unbeaten century from Ben Francis (105no) supported by Tom Marsh (44) earned Christchurch the spoils.