DORSET 161-7 lost to HERTFORDSHIRE 128-2 on a revised target

THE weather conspired against Dorset as they crashed out of the MCCA Trophy against Hertfordshire at Dorchester Rec.

Put in on a green wicket the hosts were on course for a decent total only for a sudden downpour to bring their innings to a premature end at 161-7.

The delay left Hertfordshire chasing a revised target of 128 from 22 overs and with the damp conditions making bowling almost impossible, they cantered to victory for the loss of just two wickets with 14 balls to spare.

Dorset boss Sean Walbridge, whose side have finished bottom of group three, said: “Unfortunately the weather had a big impact and we came out the wrong side of it.

“Having seen the forecast we would have definitely stuck them in as well had we won the toss because you know that any rain leads to a reduced run-rate target, which basically changes everything up.

“To be honest it was one of those games where both teams could have easily called it off but a point each was no good to either of us so we did everything we could to get out there.

“However, when they went out to bat, it was like bowling with a bar of soap and we knew we needed to get early wickets to stand a chance. We didn’t get them and they are the ones that have now progressed through to the quarter-finals with Herefordshire and fair play to them.”

The wicket did a bit for the bowlers early on and Frazer (2-47), Rudge (2-45) and Walker (2-33) took full advantage by reducing Dorset to 86-5. Opener Nick Park (35) was the only top-order batsman to really punish the visiting attack and when he was trapped leg before by Frazer, the home side looked in serious trouble.

Skipper Tom Hicks (4) came and went without making an impact, Max Waller (27) and Simon Watkins (39no) then mounted a mini-revival before the former found the hands of Lamb.

That dismissal brought recent-signing Mark Wolstenholme (5no) to the crease with the score on 135-7 and he was just happy to play a supporting role as Watkins began to send some lusty blows to the boundary.

The Bournemouth skipper’s 39 came off just 33 balls and included a quartet of fours and two huge sixes but he was robbed of continuing the onslaught by a shower that curtailed his side’s progress in the 39th over.

When play eventually resumed, the conditions were completely different as Hertfordshire set about their revised run chase with confidence.

Jamie Hewitt (44) and E Ballard (33) put on 77 for the first wicket and although Waller (1-23) and Wolstenholme (1-22) eventually made breakthroughs, it was never going to be enough as Lamb (37no) and Blacktopp (7no) saw their side past the finishing line with ease.

Walbridge added: “The wicket was a bit green and prior to the rain was doing a bit for the seamers but despite that we felt we were on target for a competitive total.

“We also knew the guys would like bowling on that surface but once it got wet everything changed and the ball just skidded on.

“To be honest though, we have not played consistently well enough over the four games to progress any further in the competition and that is now something we need to look at ahead of next year.

“We need to reassess and iron a few things out in the one-day game but first and foremost we need to turn our attentions to the start of the three-day season, which gets underway next weekend with a tough trip to Devon.”

Dorset won the Minor Counties Championship last season and are bidding to become the first team to retain it since the three-day format was introduced.

Meanwhile, Walbridge has thanked the county town for its hospitality.

He said: “Everyone at Dorchester Cricket Club made us feel very welcome and it was just a shame all their hard work and best laid plans went out the window with the rain. We look forward to returning there again soon.”