SEVENTEEN wickets fell at Dean Park today as the Unicorns Championship Western Division clash between Dorset and Cornwall got off to an eventful start in Bournemouth.

After winning the toss and deciding to field, the visitors bowled Dorset out for 204, with Glyn Furnival taking 6-85.

The hosts were in deep trouble on 34-5 at one stage, but 170 runs were added for the last five wickets to give Chris Park’s side some hope.

Jake Lintott (30), Park (48), Tom Hicks (33) and Mark Wolstenholme (24) helped rescue what had looked like being a lost cause.

In reply, Cornwall were 120-7 at the close of play, Matt Robins top-scoring with 35.

Lintott, Wolstenholme and Sam Thomson took three wickets each for Dorset to leave the match finely poised ahead of tomorrow's second day of three.