DORSET 167-2 (2pts) beat OXFORDSHIRE 174-7 (0pts) by 17 runs (via Duckworth Lewis)

A MAMMOTH first-wicket stand between Dorset’s Tom Arnold (67) and Ed Ellis (62) helped Chris Park’s side seal their first competitive victory of the season, in a rain-hit Unicorns Knockout Trophy clash against Oxfordshire.

The duo put on 142 for the first wicket after the visitors elected to field first at Bashley, as Dorset eventually reached 167-2 from 36.3 overs, before the rain came down.

That break in proceedings meant overs were lost from the encounter, meaning Oxfordshire were set a revised target of 232 from 36 overs for victory.

And with the weather still playing its part, Dorset did their bit with the ball to restrict the away side to 174-7 after 30 overs before the sides went off for bad light.

After more number crunching via the Duckworth Lewis method, and play being called for the day, Dorset were worked out to be winners by 17 runs.