COACH Alan Willows trusts the talent in the Dorset squad to start getting over the line and winning games in the next stage of their summer.

The Dean Park side have been left to rue missed opportunities in defeats to Cornwall, Devon and Wiltshire during the Unicorns Knockout Trophy, while their last outing in Wales was washed out.

They also suffered a reverse to Hampshire in t20 action, but Willows believes there are plenty of plus points to take going forward.

He told Echosport: “We are disappointed that in the first three (Knockout Trophy) games we lost.

“All three of them we were in situations where we could have won, should have won, and haven’t managed to get over the line.

“I have a lot of confidence in our younger players. I think they want to become better players and, as long as they keep learning from the experiences they are having at the moment, then I think we are going to be in a very good place.

“I’d be mortified if we weren’t getting in the situations to win but we are. We have a good side, we just have to find a way of winning those really critical moments.”

The county coach also indicated individuals who he believes have performed well so far this term.

“Mas Khan has got runs again at the top of the order and James Hayman has bowled beautifully,” he added.

“James has looked like a first-class bowler in recent games and Tom Hicks has bowled brilliantly too, as has Sam Thomson and Jem Warner.”

Dorset now turn their attentions to a day of t20 cricket in Exmouth on May 31, before battling Wiltshire in their three-day Championship opener on June 7.

Willows added: “I feel we will be competitive in the t20s and we are a very good Championship side. If we play well we have got a great chance.

“It is hard if you don’t get off to a good start in the Championship so we are hoping to do that.

“You have got to trust that your players are hungry and want to learn, and I think they are.

“They want to play for the shirt and be successful. At the moment, we haven’t quite managed to do it but hopefully we will do it over the next few weeks.”

Willows also commented on the form of former Somerset ace Chris Jones, and believes it is only a matter of time until he once again stacks up big scores in Dorset colours.

He added: “At some stage he is due to get a massive score and if Jonesy continues to play for us he is going to get a lot of runs.

“He is a good calming influence in the dressing room and is a great player.”