Dorset 265-7 lost to Somerset ii 269-3 by 7 wickets HAVING suffered a disappointing defeat against Somerset Seconds last week, Dorset will be keen to get back to winning ways with victory over Hampshire Seconds at Chapel Gate tomorrow (11am).

Dorset, who beat Wiltshire in their first pre-season game of the year, went down by seven wickets against the Cidermen.

The visitors were up against an experienced Somerset side, containing two former test players, at Taunton Deane.

However, Dorset could take great pride and plenty of positives from a performance that was another step forward ahead of their opening one-day group match against Buckinghamshire at the end of the month.

Put into bat, Dorset openers Glyn Treagus and Nick Park put on 23 for the first wicket before the latter was caught behind for eight off the bowling of Mark Turner.

That brought Chris Jones to the wicket and he and Treagus proceeded to put on a superb stand of 180.

They played beautifully and never looked in any trouble even against former West Indian spinner Omari Banks.

Treagus was agonisingly dismissed just one run short of a well-deserved hundred by Leach. The left-arm spinner proved to be a real thorn in Dorset’s side by claiming 6-29 from his seven-over spell.

Jones went on to complete a superb century and his form is already proving a massive plus at this early stage of the season.

He and Dorchester’s Paul Tweddle added 34 for the seventh wicket before Tweddle was dismissed on the last ball of the 50th over for 23. Jones finished unbeaten on 103 as Dorset closed on 265-7.

In the field, Dorset made an excellent start reducing Somerset to 41-3 with Rich Banham producing a superb spell of pace bowling to dismiss Carl Gaz-zard, Neil Edwards and Wes Durston.

That brought Zander de Bruyn, the former South African test batsman, in with academy player James Buttler and together they weathered the storm and produced a superb match winning partnership of 228.

Dorset tried hard and used six bowlers in an attempt to make the breakthrough but to no avail as de Bruyn finished on 105 not out and Buttler 112 not out to help Somerset reach their target with two overs and seven wickets to spare.

Dorset manager Sean Walbridge said: “Although we are disappointed with the result we certainly aren’t with the team’s performance. Glyn and Chris were excellent and I’m pleased for both guys.

“We did miss a couple of half-chances in the field, which at this level you need to take, and that is something we can learn from the match, we need to ensure we keep our intensity levels up right throughout the 50 overs.”

Tomorrow sees Dave Kidner, Steve Selwood, Chris Park, Matt Metcalfe and Dorchester’s Dan Belt all coming into the Dorset squad.

Darren Cowley and Tweddle are unavailable, Max Waller (knee) and Banham (shin) are both injured while Chris Jones will also miss out.

Dorset (to face Hampshire): Glyn Treagus, Nick Park, Aaron Williams, Steve Selwood, Roger Sillence, Chris Park, Tom Hicks, Matt Metcalfe, Dan Belt, Dave Kidner, Ed Denham, Paul Warren.