DORSET were well beaten by neighbours Hampshire in a National Counties Cricket Association showcase match at Wimborne Cricket club, losing by 114 runs.

The hosts opted for their opponents to bat first at the Leaze, a decision that left them chasing an eventual total of 190 runs from 22 overs, the target adjusted by three runs owing to rain. 

Former Dorset stars Tom Prest and Scott Currie had contrasting afternoons batting for Hampshire, the former leading the way with 52 from 35 balls, whilst the latter was caught out by Alex Eckland after one ball.

Eckland’s brother, England under-19 starlet Joseph, also lined up for the away team, grabbing 17 runs from 12 balls before being run out, the last Hampshire batsman to fall as Dom Kelly came through the innings unscathed, albeit with just the one run to show for two balls faced.

Dorset managed to scuttle their guests’ lower order in the 21st over, Felix Organ, Currie, and Joseph Eckland all falling within five balls.

Opening batsman Jake Gordon was the most consistent for Dorset during their innings at bat, their only cricketer to maintain a three-digit strike rate courtesy of 22 runs from 22 balls.

In fact, only two other batsmen managed double digits at the crease, Gordon’s opening partner Sam Young reaching 11 before being caught out by Currie, Dorset skipper Luke Webb going one better with 12 as he also saw his afternoon ended by a catch.

All three of the aforementioned batsmen managed two boundaries apiece, producing two fours each.

When Gordon fell midway through the seventh over, the total of 187 seemed a big ask for the hosts, David Scott following him to the pavilion two balls later after Currie produced his second catch of the afternoon.

Edward Ellis was caught lbw by Eddie Jack at the start of the 15th over, Dorset’s final two wickets taken before either Joe Huns or Ben Fletcher could produce a single run, Jack taking his haul up to four.