HERTFORDSHIRE 273-4 (2pts) beat DORSET 267-6 (0pts) by six wickets

DORSET were put to the sword by Hertfordshire’s batters, losing their NCCA Trophy clash at Welwyn Garden City by six wickets.

Luke Webb’s men had amassed 267-6 but that total always seemed light on a blissful day for batting as the hosts cruised home with 25 balls to spare.

Webb chose to bat first after winning the toss and he made good on his decision by constructing a 120-run stand for the opening wicket with Jacob Gordon.

Webb (53) passed fifty for the first time this season in all competitions, his knock containing seven fours and a six, before he was stumped after being tempted out of his ground by Callum Taylor (1-54).

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However, Gordon was set and continued on his merry way, laying the platform for a good total.

Hertfordshire hit back when Greg Willows blasted 29 off 21 balls before he departed, and David Scott (12) was next to follow.

Gordon then went into overdrive, bringing up a deserved century with a six amid a purple patch that yielded 18 runs from six balls he faced.

Alex Eckland (11) and Simon Woodruff (13no) enjoyed cameos before Gordon was bowled on the final ball, having smashed eight sixes and five boundaries.

With conditions still inviting for the batters, Herts simmered around the five-an-over mark in the opening 15 overs.

During that time, Dorset struck twice when running out Archie Harrison (29) and Connor Smith (2-54) bowled David Burnell (2).

At 69-2, the hosts began to lift the pace and doubled their score in the next 11 overs, Taylor hitting 38 from 33 before he became Smith’s second victim.

And Dorset further dented Hertfordshire’s chase when Woodruff (1-45) had James Southgate (19) caught, leaving the hosts on 171-4.

Still needing 97 to win, Herts got there in just 74 balls after a devastating burst of boundaries from Andrew Neal.

Dominic Chatfield (80no) was the anchor and, at the non-striker’s end, he had the pleasure of watching Neal tee off.

From just 52 balls, Neal finished on 80 not out having plundered six maximums and six boundaries.

It meant Hertfordshire’s chase became something of a breeze as some inspired clean hitting earned them victory in the 46th over.

Dorset now lie bottom of Group Four and face an uphill task to qualify for the next round.

Webb’s men host Wales on Sunday at Wimborne (11am).