DORSET’S big two are on course for another title showdown after producing almost identical results in their second round galas in the Southern Junior League.

Remarkably, defending champions Bournemouth Dolphins and last year’s runners-up Ferndown Otters each recorded 25 race wins and 245 gala points at Bridport and Bristol respectively.

It means that for the third year running they go into the final on June 20 lying first and second in the table with a trip to the national league semi-final on offer to the winners.

Dolphins’ assistant coach Sam Woodward said: “I think Ferndown will start as slight favourites – I’ve been very impressed with their results. But with some extra work and tinkering of the team, we could win it.”

Ferndown’s assistant coach Emma Hirst said: “I will be an interesting final. Bournemouth are very strong but we have our strengths and Swindon and Weston will be in there as well.”

Dolphins – unbeaten in this league since the 2006 final, when Ferndown won their eighth title – included 11 relay wins among their 25 race victories at Bridport.

Tom Kingham was a double winner, taking the 10yrs 50m butterfly (34.65) and freestyle (31.75).

Other individual winners were Bradley Currie in the 10yrs 50m backstroke, Jasmine Holmes (10yrs 50m freestyle), Jamie Holmes (11/u 50m breast), Oscar Esposti (11/u 50m fly), Ryan McCormack (11/u 50m free), Beth Folland (11/u 50m back), Kiana Hooshand (11/u 50m breast), Amber Wells (11/u 50m fly), James Seddon (12/u 50m freestyle), Jack Burton (12/u 50m breast), Dan Speers (12/u 50m fly) and Chris Parsons-Lowey (9yrs 25m fly).

The gala – featuring three first round winners – proved a tough test for Christchurch and New Milton Seagulls, whose cause was hindered by six disqualifications.

Nine-year-olds Jasmin Oliver-House and Polly Allen were double winners, respectively winning the 9yrs 25m freestyle and butterfly and the 25m backstroke and breaststroke.

Other individual wins came from 12yrs 50m butterfliers Isabelle Frampton and Peter Griffiths.

Ferndown led from event one at Horfield, Bristol, and finished 20 points clear of runners-up Yeovil.

They finished first or second in all but 10 of the 49 races and all but two of the 17 relays.

Multiple winners were Alan Wong in the 11 and 12yrs 50m backstroke and 12yrs 50 back and Matthew Collins in the 9yrs free and back.

Other individual winners: 9yrs Sam Griffiths (free), Grace Kingsley (back), Lucy Brain (fly); 11yrs Harriet Higgins (back), Christy Cole (breast), Myles Horlock (free); 12yrs Todd Price (free).

Poole came first or second in 36 of the 49 races at Swindon to secure a comfortable victory.

It was a dramatic improvement on their first round result, when they were missing swimmers at a training camp and came sixth and last.

Their individual winners were Georgia Harrison (9yrs 25m freestyle), Jessica Richens (9yrs 25m fly), Kiran Olenicz (10yrs 50m back), Joseph Miles (10yrs 50m free), Ben Porter (11/u 50m back), Sophie Eaton (11/u 50m breast), Sarah Mills (12/u 50m free) and Rochelle Stott (12/u 50m back).

Results – Bridport: Bournemouth Dolphins 245, Weston-super-Mare 194, Chard 179, Soundwell 170, Seagulls 129, W Dorset 87.

Swindon: Poole 232, Newport 201, Tornadoes of S Dorset 177, Warminster 151, Melksham 118, North Dorset Turbos 89.

Horfield, Bristol: Ferndown 245, Yeovil 225, Bradford-upon-Avon 196, Swindon SX3 B 142, Bristol North 116, Weymouth 101.