HAMPSHIRE SECONDS 247-2 beat DORSET 228-10 by eight wickets

DORSET manager Sean Walbridge has told his side they will have to become more ruthless if they are to enjoy some one-day success this season.

His comments came after his side failed to chase down 247 against Hampshire Seconds at Chapel Gate, in their final pre-season friendly ahead of a big Minor Counties Championship Knockout Trophy clash at Bucking-hamshire this coming Sunday. Walbridge said: “We were reasonably pleased to restrict them to 247 considering they only lost two wickets although it is slightly concerning that we have only taken five wickets in the last two matches, which clearly shows we need to work on building pressure.

“We then managed to get into a position to win the game, as we were always up with the run-rate, but in the end we just could not get enough partnerships going.

“Lower down the order people got starts but then got out and in the end we ran out of wickets and fell just short, which was disappointing as we really should have won.”

Dorset won the toss and decided to field and when Matt Metcalfe trapped M Kleinveldt (5) leg before it looked like the right decision.

B Howell and J Vince then put on a partnership of 64 before the latter edged a delivery from Dave Kidner through to the gloves of Chris Park.

Howell played a patient and classy innings, which saw him end on 102 not out and build an unbeaten third-wicket stand of 177 alongside T Burrows (83 not out), but despite only taking two wickets Dorset felt they were more than capable of chasing down 247 in reply.

Glyn Treagus (0) and Aaron Williams (4) fell early on as D Griffiths (4-30) produced a fine opening spell of bowling but thanks to Nick Park and Steve Selwood (66), who put on a third-wicket partnership of 51, the home side eventually got on track.

Nick Park then found the hands of Vince before Chris Park edged a delivery from D Augustus through to Burrows after making a positive start and reaching 18.

That left Dorset on 111-4 and in need of another solid stand, which Selwood and new batsman in, Tom Hicks (28), endeavoured to deliver.

The pair put on 40 before Hampshire claimed the big wicket of Selwood, who was caught behind by Burrows off the bowling of C Wood.

That proved a major turning point and when Hicks returned to the pavilion shortly afterwards, also edging through to Burrows, the momentum had clearly swung back in the visitors’ favour.

Metcalfe (20) and Simon Watkins (20 not out) both put up some resistance in the lower order but with Ed Denham and Dorchester’s Dan Belt both falling for ducks in the closing stages Dorset were skittled all out just 19 runs short.

Walbridge added: “Despite losing the last two games I think we are moving in the right direction but we have got to learn to push home the advantage in matches when we get on top.

“If we can add that to our game then I think a really good season lies ahead as our preparation has been superb this year and everyone is ready to go for the game against Bucks this coming Sunday.”