WEYMOUTH wilted in their quest for the DCA Clayesmore Sunday Indoor League title as rivals Stalbridge thumped the Seasiders by five wickets to win the competition via run rate.

Entering the final two contests of the indoor season, the Seasiders were unbeaten on seven wins from seven with Stalbridge level on points with one loss from eight games.

After a comfortable three-wicket win over Wiltshire side Kilmington and Stourton in their opening match, Weymouth knew a win would secure the title in a winner-takes-all situation.

But a calamitous batting display put paid to Weymouth’s chances as Stalbridge’s spinners ran riot.

Lloyd Beals (22) and Neil Walton (14) had taken 19 off Steve Forshaw’s first over but, when George Coleman clung on to a difficult chance off Jon Legg (1-13), Weymouth collapsed.

Ollie Legg (4-20) was the Seasiders’ chief tormentor, taking a brilliant hat-trick to bowl Beals and Manoj Somaratne (0) either side of trapping Andy Jeffreys (0) leg before.

Legg’s treble blow reduced the Seasiders to 45-5 with Sahil Dalvi (1) run out before the off-spinner took hold of the match.

Only Harry Mitchell (41) offered resistance until he drove at Legg for a return catch to dismiss Weymouth for a paltry 78.

In reply, Jon Legg (26no) guided Stalbridge to a simple victory as the new champions only lost George Coleman (24) to Beals (1-22).

Weymouth had earlier beaten Kilmington in convincing style as Tom Barton (32no) set the Seasiders 108 to win from 12 overs.

Walton (25no), Jeffreys (18no), Somaratne (16no) and Beals (15) all chipped in as Weymouth won with 15 balls to spare.