Castle Lager Division Two newcomers Dulwich made it four wins from four this season following a tense encounter at Old Wimbledonians.

OWs were also promoted, in second place, last season, when Dulwich had inflicted their only defeat of the campaign.

After being put into bat, Dulwich openers Richard Farrow and Allen Blackford made the most of fielding lapses to put on 45 runs in the first 13 overs.

Blackford was dismissed for 25, but skipper Farrow was joined by Jack Lusk in a third-wicket partnership of 85 before being sent back to the pavilion for 56.

Lusk then took control to record his first Surrey Champ-ionship 50 and finish with an unbeaten 82 off 87 balls.

Dulwich reached 225-6 off their allotted 55 overs and, in reply, OWs scored steadily.

But they lost their first three wickets to Mark Kenlock, who took 3-22 off 12 overs in his first spell.

Spin-bowlers Ty Hopes and Graeme Hough took a wicket each to reduce the opposition to 101-5, but a partnership of 47 in 11 overs briefly threatened Dulwich's supremacy.

However, the visitors took two more wickets to bring an end to OWs' chase.

Their attempt to play out time was then thwarted by a devastating spell by Mark Kelly, who took the last three wickets for two runs in 4.3 overs.

The last wicket fell with three balls to spare.

Dulwich will be looking to maintain their lead at the top of the Division Two table this Saturday, when they entertain Dorking.

May 29, 2003 12:30