DORSET bowed out of the Middleton Cup after going down at Winscombe, Somerset in their final group clash.

The county side were intent on securing the victory against the county, which would not only provide an outside chance of quarter-final qualification, but also the opportunity to bounce back from the defeat inflicted by Cornwall.

Further team changes were necessary through player withdrawal and saw first appearances for Robbie Ward (Dorchester), Andy Paulley (Blandford) and Alan Trevett (Alexandra Park).

Playing on a fast green, where some of the rink ends were almost unplayable with the surface suffering from the prolonged dry spell, Dorset equipped themselves well and at five ends were only seven shots adrift.

The rink of Liam Rock, Roy Burnett, Dave Hanger (all Wellworthy) and new skip Chris Weekes (Poole Park) had recorded an early 9-1 shots advantage and were going well.

By the halfway stage (10 ends) the deficit was held at eight with Weekes continuing to dominate, while Dorchester’s Nick Voss was within one shot of his opposition after a slow start at 10-9.

Greenhill’s Barry Patterson held firm, being all square at 8-8 and Wayne Garnett (Dorch-ester) was involved in a tight tussle and only two behind.

Moving into the latter stages, Dorset, having really got to grips with the surface, actually moved into a one-shot lead over five rinks but unfortunately the sixth were suffering under desert-like conditions, leaving the side looking to find 22 shots to level.

Unfortunately this was not to be with a final score of Somerset 132 Dorset 106, which did not accurately reflect the strong and determined effort put in by a team of 24 committed bowlers.

Weekes and his men gave a very pleasing performance overall with Dave Hanger playing well from a relatively unaccustomed number three position.

Voss, with club-mate and usual lead George Spracklen, moved to three and looked a natural together with new members Trevett and Paulley, who gave much food for in their 22-21 win.

The performance of the day must go to the hat-trick heroes of John Pinson (Branksome Park), Ward, replacement for Ben Paulley (Blandford) who was unavailable through ill health, Paul Pomeroy (Lyme Regis) and skip Garnett.

The quartet, who battled long and hard to eventually forge ahead 26-16, must be congratulated on going through the campaign undefeated – a marvellous achievement.

Team manager Mike Stapleton said: “Although Dorset will play no further part in this year’s National Championship there have been many pleasing aspects upon which to build a new team for the future with a number of potential stars coming to notice and promising much for the years ahead.”