WEYMOUTH stopped the rot with a deserved three-wicket win over Christchurch in what was a tetchy Premier Two encounter at Hurn Bridge.

Victory ended a three-game losing streak for the Seasiders, who move up to third in the standings thanks largely to another fine bowling performance in the heat of the day – their fourth in succession.

And, given moments of tension between the two sides throughout the game, Weymouth will feel their success tastes all the sweeter.

Church elected to bat first but made slow progress in the powerplay with Lloyd Beals and David Trotter bowling tightly.

Luke Williams took a magnificent one-handed catch off Trotter (1-24) to dismiss Jy Taylor (12) before Adam Hoyes (1-24) located Harry Walter’s edge, Connor Wills taking a good catch up to the stumps.

Christchurch then recovered as captain Sam Jalim (40) and Craig Campbell, who survived numerous dropped catches, shared 82 runs for the third wicket.

Jalim was the more aggressive, hitting five fours and a six, while Campbell struggled his way to 49 in a 98-ball stay at the crease.

Jalim’s attacking intent got the better of him when he charged Neil Walton and skied a catch to Beals at mid-off to start an alarming slide of 6-12 in 5.5 overs.

Two balls later, Walton bowled Isaac Taylor (0) after a horrible slog and in his next over the Weymouth all-rounder yorked Freddie Stow (1).

Away skipper Cube Whyte (1-43) then ended Campbell’s charmed innings, pinning the left-hander lbw just short of a half-century.

And Walton (5-19) completed his second five-wicket haul of the season in consecutive balls as he bowled Utkarsh Dwivedi (1) before trapping Swaroop Ganesan plumb in front.

Now at 127-8, Christchurch relied on the experience of Nick Marsh (26no) and the talent of young number 11 Albie Stow, the duo carving several sweetly-struck boundaries on the off side.

Beals (1-38) returned to take the ninth wicket but Stow was particularly impressive for his unbeaten 19 in 13 balls as Christchurch closed on 185-9 from their 50 overs.

Weymouth lost Beals (1) lbw to Walter (2-42) early in the reply but the hosts’ ill-disciplined bowling, featuring a number of wides and no-balls, allowed Weymouth to accumulate with ease.

Walton hit 19 off 16 balls, with four boundaries, before nicking Walter behind to keeper Taylor as the visitors were checked at 57-2 in the tenth over.

Harry Mitchell (30) and Jethro Cox then set about gathering runs with a classy 56-run partnership, showcasing crisp timing into the off-side and down the ground.

Mitchell was impressive in surviving a tough opening spell but was eventually dismissed lbw by off-spinner Jalim (2-40), who sent Paul Payne packing via the same method on the very next ball.

Weymouth were now 113-4 and required 73 runs for victory, but Cox stepped up to the plate with Pete Sapsworth as the pair combined for a crucial 40 runs in 9.1 overs.

Cox hit seven fours in a clutch innings, looking a cut above the rest as he cruised to his half-century before his only false shot brought about his demise, offering a return catch to the wily Marsh (1-24).

Sapsworth powered three fours and a majestic six over cover in his 23 before becoming one of two quick victims for returning opener Fin Penny (2-62), who also bowled Connor Wills with a vicious off-cutter.

Having lost three wickets for five runs, Weymouth needed a steady partnership and they found one as Adam Hoyes (8no) and David Trotter (19no) hit five boundaries between them.

The Weymouth eight and nine scored safely and freely, hitting 28 off 33 balls, to clinch a fully-merited win.

"Great to get back in the winner’s circle," Whyte said.

"Luke got us started with a great catch for the first wicket.

"The bowlers bowled well but we need to be a bit sharper in the field.

"We were containing the batsmen then Walts turned it on its head with another great spell and five-wicket haul.

"The score was always below-par with the outfield being lightning fast.

"While we had a couple of wobbles, the batting performance was a good one with Jet holding the innings together with a controlled 50, with some cameos from Pete and Harry.

"Then it was great to watch Trotts see it home with his young apprentice Adam.

"All in all, a pleasing victory with room for improvement.

"As captain it’s always great to have the last laugh."

Weymouth host bottom side Marnhull on Saturday (12.30pm).