DARREN Cowley's boundary-laden 83 kept Dorset's Minor Counties Championship hopes alive at Dean Park yesterday.

Sean Walbridge's men must beat Wales Minor Counties and hope Berkshire lose in Cornwall if they are to claim the Western Division title.

Dorset had slipped to 33 for three batting first when Cowley joined Nick Park (54) at the crease.

And the Suttoners big-hitter soon showed his class to plunder 13 fours and three sixes in a knock that helped Dorset to 165 before he was dismissed lbw to Aneurien Norman.

Park's was a more watchful innings, with the Bournemouth opener's half-century coming from 173 balls before he became Dorset's last wicket, trapped lbw by Alex Jones with the score on 212.

Last man Eric Linge was the hosts' next highest scorer with 11.

In reply, Wales MC almost replicated Dorset's poor start to their own innings, crashing to 67 for three as Dorset skipper Tom Hicks (5-36) tore through the top of the order.

But Adam Harrison (47) steadied the ship before he was bowled by Mitch Wilson with the score on 105. Wales eventually closed on 130 for six.