DORSET took charge of the play against Cheshire on day one of their second MCCA Championship game of the season despite only 23 overs bowled at Chapel Gate.

The hosts took two early wickets and were able to reduce the visitors to 5-2 before there was a brief resistance.

The rain came midway through the first session with Cheshire three down.

More overs were bowled in the afternoon, before play was abandoned for the day just after tea with Cheshire on 62-4.

In inclement conditions, Dorset won the toss and chose to field as they tried to make the most of the weather.

They were almost instantly rewarded as Mark Wolstenholme had opener Calum Rowe caught behind by captain and wicketkeeper Chris Park with the second ball of the day.

In the third over of the game, the duo were at it again as they joined up to remove David Hurst for three as the visitors struggled to get going.

At the other end, Rick Moore dug in and finished the day 19 not out.

But Moore saw Mark Bennett (3) depart soon after the first two wickets had fallen as the away side were reduced to 17-3 thanks to the bowling of former Hampshire paceman Tom Barber.

Wolstenholme collected another wicket three overs later as Park took his third catch of the innings to send Jack Williams back to the pavilion for four.

With the score on 24-4, Moore finally found a partner that stuck in with him as Cheshire captain Lee Dixon finished the reduced day 23 not out having put on 38 with Moore for the fifth wicket.

Tomorrow's play is scheduled to start at 11am but with rain forecasted, Dorset will be hoping for quick wickets on day two.