COOPER Payne insists his Studland team will continue to live by their fun philosophy as they set the pace in the Dorset Sunday Division One.

Vice captain Payne was again delighted as his men notched up a fourth consecutive win with an eight-wicket hammering of Christchurch.

As Studland reached their victory target by about 6pm, Payne and his team-mates made the most of the early finish.

“The game was all over by 6pm and we were in the bar by then – we had all the beer ready,” he told the Echo.

“We know where we stand. Our philosophy is to enjoy our cricket.”

And that attitude is certainly paying dividends for the league leaders so far this season.

Christchurch were the latest side to find themselves on the receiving end as Studland cruised to victory inside 13 overs.

Wayne Lockey (3-40) and Terry Manning (2-15) led the way as Priory were skittled for just 91 batting first.

And Studland made short work of the reply, getting home in fine style thanks to an unbeaten 37 from Steve Lawson.

But despite wanting his team to continue their impressive form, Payne’s priority for this weekend’s clash against Cranborne is to ensure his club are good hosts. “We’re playing Cranborne and the biggest concern is having enough beer to supply both teams,” he joked.

“It’s about having enough beer rather than what team we pick. It’s a huge concern!”

Despite his light-hearted nature, Payne’s men appear the team to beat so far.

But undefeated Bournemouth remain hot on Studland’s heels after their 55-run triumph over basement boys Poole Town.

Opener Tom Wilkinson was the star turn as his 95 provided the platform for Bournemouth’s total of 228 (Jonny Coombs 58).

In reply, Poole slumped to 32 for four before Dave Miller’s 86 not out led them to a respectable 173 for seven.

  • Parley got the better of Cranborne thanks to another excellent all-round display from Raj Naik.

He top-scored with 82 as Parley racked up 236 for five. David Payne (67) and Darren Sargent (30) also made handy contributions.

Cranborne were eventually dismissed for 221 in the final over, with Naik (2-18) and Roshan Embalagama (2-31) in good form.

Meanwhile, second-placed Kingston Lacy (211-9) are still unbeaten after they recorded a 68-run win over St George’s (143).