DEVON 426-6 & 218-5 lead DORSET 186 by 458 runs

DORSET conceded an enormous 458-run deficit to Devon on the second day’s play of their Unicorns Championship battle at Sidmouth.

Resuming on 52-1, Dorset were bowled out for 186, still 240 runs adrift, before half centuries from first-innings centurions Alex Barrow and captain Josh Bess eased the hosts to 218-5 at the close.

Earlier, Dorset lost Josh Digby (16) to paceman Dan Goodey (2-43), who also had Alex Eckland (8) caught. Luke Webb (30) lasted little longer, becoming the sole victim of Bess (1-30).

Ed Ellis (17), Jigar Naik (32) and Ed Bartlett (14) all got starts but could not kick on as Ben Green (4-34) mopped up the tail to leave skipper Chris Park (11no) stranded as the visitors were dismissed for under 200.

Choosing not to enforce the follow-on, Devon took their second innings but saw Josh Mailling (2) perish to the impressive Bartlett (1-16) for the second successive time.

After a 45-minute rain delay, Green (27) and George Allen (31) added quick runs but their efforts were again eclipsed by Barrow (66) and Bess (70) who shared a 129-run stand.

However, Naik (3-73) fought back, accounting for both men as Park’s men aim to salvage a draw on day three.