Middleton Cup DORSET 138 (20pts) beat GLOUCESTERSHIRE 99 (2pts) by 39 shots

DORSET bounced back with a fabulous win over Gloucestershire in their latest outing in the Middleton Cup.

Determined to make amends following their opening day defeat against Wiltshire at Wootton Bassett, Danny Steadman’s men put up a wonderful performance at Greenhill to come out on top 138-99.

Wayne Garnett’s quartet were the biggest winners on the day, recording a 31-11 victory over Dave Howes, but there were also fine performances from the rinks of Ryan Stone, Martin Puckett, Ron McCarthy and Barry Patterson.

In fact, the only rink reverse for the hosts came in the shape of Mark Tomberry’s narrow 20-18 loss against Lee Williamson.

The victory is only Dorset’s third in the competition in 10 years and if they can follow it up with a similar success against Somerset at Greenhill today (2pm) it would put them right back in contention in West Group Four Section B.

Steadman told Echosport: “We had to make two late changes after Greenhill duo Mike Durant and Eddie Smith pulled out with injuries but the team performed superbly.

“There were so many fine displays it is hard to single anyone out but for me the biggest positive was the character we showed when Gloucester-shire started to fight back at 15 ends.

“It was a fantastic win and if we can beat Somerset this afternoon it could put us back in contention.”

Meanwhile, the draw for the last 16 of the Balcomb Trophy has pitted Dorset against Wiltshire. The clash will take place at Clevedon in Somerset on June 24 (10am) and Steadman is looking forward to the challenge.

He added: “It will be a chance to get revenge for the Middleton Cup defeat.”

Rink Scores: Ryan Stone 28 Keith Hinder 14, Martin Puckett 21 Rob Griffiths 19, Mark Tomberry 18 Lee Williamson 20, Ron McCarthy 19 John Roach 16, Wayne Garnett 31 Dave Howes 11, Barry Patterson 21 Paul Bryant 19.

Dorset squad (to face Somerset): Eddie Smith (Greenhill), David Smith (Green-hill), Barry Stone (Branksome Park), Barry Patterson (Greenhill); George Spracklen (Dorchester), Jamie Lockwood (Wellworthy), Nick Voss (Dorchester), Wayne Garnett (Dorchester); John Pinson (Branksome Park), Marcus Smith (Green-hill), Paul Pomeroy (Lyme Regis), Ryan Stone (Wellworthy); Daniel Tomberry (Alexandra Park), Alec McKenzie (Poole Park), David Ralph (Greenhill), Mark Tomberry (Alexandra Park); Roy Burnett (Wellworthy), Graham Parker (Wellwor-thy), Peter Willats (Poole Park), Martin Puckett (Greenhill); Jimmy Garner (Poole Park), Bob Atkins (Poole Park), Alan Miller (Alexandra Park), Ron McCarthy (Greenhill). Reserves: Joe Wahnon, Derek Grey, Mike Durant, Chris Thorne. Manager: Danny Steadman. Assistant: Bob Atkins.

Dorset squad (to face Wiltshire): David Ralph, Nick Voss, Ryan Stone, Wayne Garnett; Daniel Tomberry, David Smith, Mark Tomberry, Barry Patterson. Reserves: Martin Puckett, John Pinson, Jamie Lockwood.