SEAN Walbridge’s men are on the verge of victory in their final Minor Counties Western Division clash of the season against Wales at Dean Park.

The visitors were set a second innings target of 287 by Dorset after the hosts produced a solid knock of 233 all out, which saw Darren Cowley (44) and skipper Tom Hicks (58) add vital runs in the middle order where they put on a fifth-wicket stand of 88.

Nick James (26) and William Bragg (67) got Wales’ run chase off to a great start with an opening partnership of 57 but when the former was trapped leg before by Hicks (3-26), Dorset began to pick up wickets at regular intervals.

Dion Holden (6), Adam Harrison (5) and David Lloyd (0) all came and went in quick succession with Sam Davies (18) and Aneurien Norman (6) following shortly after, as Hicks, Glyn Treagus (2-32) and Ed Denham (1-27) piled on the pressure.

At the close of play, Wales were still trailing by 147 runs with just three wickets remaining, which means if Dorset can get those early breakthroughs this morning they will face a nervous wait to see how Berkshire get on at Cornwall.

Defeat for Berkshire and victory for Dorset would see the title go to Walbridge’s side for the first time in 10 years.