DORSET 142-7 (2pts) beat BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 141 (0pts) by three wickets

DORSET earned their first win of the NCCA Trophy campaign with a three-wicket success over Buckinghamshire at Dorchester Rec.

Dorset’s seemingly slender margin of victory belied what had been a largely dominant display, bowling the visitors out for 141 and moving to 102-2 before a late flurry of wickets forced them to creep over the line.

It means all five teams in Group Four are separated by just two points with a place in the next round well within reach for Luke Webb’s men, despite losing their opening game against Wiltshire.

READ MORE: Dorset defeated at Wiltshire by three wickets

While the county side’s last visit to Dorchester did not go to plan – losing by six runs against Devon last July – events evened out this time.

Dorset recalled seamer Ollie Breckon in place of Ben Ladd Gibbon after he was initially left out of the squad.

And Bournemouth paceman Breckon used his height to good effect after Dorset lost the toss and were asked to field.

Breckon crashed in and hit an awkward length, taking the first three wickets as Bucks were sent to 30-3.

Among Breckon’s victims was the prize scalp of former Netherlands and Worcestershire batter Alexei Kervezee (10), with Conrad Louth (7) and Chris Marrow (4) also sent back to the pavilion.

Left-arm seamer Simon Woodruff (1-17) then weighed in with the wicket of Ross Richardson (2) as Bucks slipped to 34-4.

The visitors did recover to 82-4 when Ed Bragg (21) and Teddy Casterton (34) shared 48 in the middle overs.

Webb then turned back to the outstanding Breckon (4-27) and his Bournemouth teammate responded with his fourth wicket, snaring Bragg.

Left-arm spinner Rob Pack (1-19) followed up by bowling Casterton for a well-made 34 containing three boundaries, leaving Bucks on 98-6.

Michael Payne (29no) helped his side into triple figures with a single four in his 58-ball knock as finding the boundary proved difficult.

And Dorset were able to further restrict Buckinghamshire’s total, dismissing them for 141 as Harry Broderick (3-28) steamed through the tail, taking two wickets in the final three balls of the innings.

Dorset also found the going tough in their chase, losing Jacob Gordon (9) to Bragg (1-12) in the 12th over.

Opening bowler Cameron Parsons sent down five maidens and conceded just ten runs from his ten overs as Bucks were able to apply pressure.

However, Webb (18) built patiently along with ex-Hampshire man Oli Soames, who provided the glue in Dorset’s innings.

At 60-1, a solid platform had been laid and the departure of Webb to Stephen Croft (1-35) brought the big-hitting Sam Young to the crease.

Former England Under-19 man Young, who plays for Bath, was able to attack the spinners and hammered the quickest innings of the day.

He struck 30 from 21 balls, including two fours and sixes apiece, in propelling Dorset to 102-2.

With just 40 needed for victory he was dismissed by Conner Haddow (2-42), sparking a wobbly patch for the hosts.

The watchful Soames (39) was trapped lbw by Thomas Hampton (3-27), who then ousted Broderick for a golden duck as Dorset were checked at 102-5.

When Alex Eckland perished to Haddow, Dorset were still 30 runs behind and needed a nature innings from Joe Eckland (14no) to steady their nerves and guide them home in the 46th over.

Speaking to Echosport, Webb said: “Scoring was tricky all day, we bowled well at them and then we got ourselves in what should’ve been a game-done (situation).

“We were 60-1 and 102-2. We earned the right by batting quite well up front to get to that position.

“It wasn’t ideal, we’d have liked to have knocked it off more comfortably but the little wobble we had, we still managed to get over the line fairly comfortably.

“It did get a bit nervy for a few overs. The scorecard looks like a three-wicket win but for most periods of the game we were dominant.

“It was just that period with the bat where we had a slight stutter but I’m so happy to get the win.”

He added: “When you lose your first game, whether you like it or not you are probably under a bit of pressure to win that second one otherwise the competition starts to get away from you quite early.

“To be on the board after two games puts you right in the mix. Two or three wins is at least what you need.

“We’ve got a tough game coming against Staffordshire so it was really important we got that win under the belt.”

Dorset next face a trip to West Bromwich where bottom side Staffordshire lie in wait on Sunday (11am).