BASHLEY all-rounder Kevin Nash stifled Dorset's hopes of a much-needed win as Wiltshire shut up shop to force a draw at Corsham yesterday.

Dorset, who have not won a Minor Counties Championship Western Division match since August 2000, began the day within striking distance of victory.

But Wiltshire, forced to follow on after the first innings, batted doggedly to reach 351 in their second innings and give Dorset a target of 143 in 22 overs to win.

That proved too high, however, as Dorset - going for the runs - were restricted to 95 for seven before time ran out on the third and final day of this championship clash.

Nash's last-wicket partnership of 33 with Chris Gibbons (16) stalled Dorset's progress at a vital time.

The Bashley right-hander, who used to play for Dorset, scored a patient 40 not out to take Wiltshire's score from 318 for nine to 351 before Gibbons was finally dismissed.

It wasn't just the additional 33 runs that helped deny Dorset the chance of winning.

Nash and Gibbons also ate up a lot of overs defending their side's position.

And that proved costly as Dorset had to score at almost six-and-a-half runs per over to achieve victory on a docile pitch.

With more overs to play with, Dorset could have batted with a little bit more patience and picked the bad ball to hit.

However, they never had that luxury, particularly as Nash's right-hand medium pace saw him reduce Dorset to 17 for three.

Openers Glyn Trea-gus and Matt Swar-brick and Tim Lamb all went cheaply before Darren Cowley and Stuart Rintoul gave Dorset hope of reaching their target.

They both fell to Nash, who finished with an impressive five for 33, and Dor-set's chase for success virtually ended.

Earlier, Sean Walbridge had taken five for 108 in Wiltshire's second innings, giving the Dorset left arm spinner impressive match figures of 11 for 146, while Wiltshire's right-handed batsman Chris Budd crafted 112.

Dorset earned 11 points from the draw and Wiltshire took eight.

Hampshire edged a two-run win over Middlesex at Lord's in National League Division Two yesterday (June 4).

Nic Pothas top scored with 39 for Hampshire as they scored 183.

Middlesex replied with 181 as Shaun Udal took three for 35.