Weymouth enhanced their NSA Dorset Premier Division title claims with a comprehensive nine-wicket win over basement boys Portland Red Triangle at Reforne. The championship-chasing Seasiders comfortably passed their host's all out total of 111 with a massive 25 overs to spare.

The home side once again found themselves batting first after losing the toss, and got off to a bad start as Will Curtis was snapped up in the gully by Ben Lawes in Michael Pearce's first over. John Ryan, promoted up the order, then brought about a recovery in partnership with opener Simon Barrett. They defied the Weymouth pace attack for 20 overs, taking the score on to 60, before the introduction of the medium pace of Simon Talbot saw an upturn in fortune for the visitors.

Talbot took a return catch from Ryan in his first over and then bowled Jan Davey in his next, before ending Barrett's dogged resistance for 23 with the score on 73. Jason Styles quickly followed, caught in the gully by Siraag Abrahams as the Seasiders' coach returned figures of 4-16 from six overs.

Meanwhile Gary Randell stood firm at the other end, hitting a carefree 34, while watching his partners return to the pavilion at regular intervals. Dave Blackman played on to Glen Dawson with the score on 82, Glen Kelman was run out after a mix up with Randell and Alex Charlton departed first ball to give Abrahams his only victim of the innings. Dawson then accounted for tailenders Bill Trevett and Graham Elenor as Triangle subsided to 111 all out in the 39th over.

Chasing this modest target, the Seasiders quickly lost Dean Janaway, bowled by Ryan with the score on 13, but the mantle was taken up by Ben Lawes. Playing his most accomplished innings of the season, the Weymouth youngster cracked 12 boundaries in his undefeated 57, easing his side to victory with more than half of their overs still remaining and earning his side a maximum 25 points in their championship quest.

Weymouth skipper Hugh Lawes was more than pleased with the way his team had played. "It was a thoroughly professional job," he said. "All the bowlers bowled straight and we backed them up with some good fielding and catching. Ben batted really well and played some super shots and it was just the sort of level of performance that we need for the rest of the season if we are to maintain our title challenge.

"There are still six matches to play and there are no easy games in the league but we have to feel confident that we can maintain our hopes of winning the championship."

Triangle spokesman Simon Barrett echoed his opposite number's views. He said: "Full credit to Weymouth. They totally outplayed us and look a good bet for the title.

"They have an ultra-competitive attitude which is certainly effective at winning cricket matches.

"From our point of view, we'll keep battling away although we accept it will now take a minor miracle to avoid the drop."