AARON Williams cracked a superb century for Dorset as they ran up 314 against Cornwall on the second day of their Minor Counties Championship clash at St Austell yesterday.

After the first day of the three-day encounter was washed out on Sunday, Cornwall put Dorset into bat and dismissed them in 87.5 overs, with the Duchy’s reply closing on 129-1.

Williams, a right-handed batsman who usually goes in at number three, opened for Dorset alongside Nick Park.

And the 25-year-old, who plays his club cricket for Exeter in the Devon League, smashed 15 fours on his way to an impressive 102.

Williams notched his runs from 166 deliveries and shared in a disciplined opening stand of 186 with Park, who hit 91 before he was first out.

Park, who hammered one six and 14 fours, fell nine short of his century after being foiled by the left-arm medium pace of Alex Smeeth. Williams, who originally wasn’t even going to play in the game, took full advantage of his reprieve.

Called-up as a late replacement for injured left-arm spinner Jack Leach, Williams increased Dorset’s tally to 223-2 with Rob Ferley before Sam Hockin’s pace trapped him leg before.

Ferley, the Kent all-rounder who has just joined Dorset on dual registration, hit 22 on his championship debut for his new county.

But after he departed on 245-3, and Glyn Treagus (26) had followed him back to the pavilion soon after, Dorset’s tail failed to wag.

They lost their last five wickets for just 21 runs and were dismissed for 314 in 87.5 overs, thereby missing out on a precious fourth batting point in the race for top spot in the Western Division.

Tom Sharp claimed five for 71 with his right-arm off-breaks and paceman Hockin took four for 75 as Cornwall bagged the maximum four bowling points.