DORSET 178 & 150-7 (9pts) drew with OXFORDSHIRE 116 (8pts)

DORSET were left to rue the British summer after playing out a Minor Counties Championship draw with Oxfordshire.

Having lost the entire first day to rain, and with the Banbury outfield unplayable, the teams moved to Great & Little Tew for the final two days’ play.

Having elected to bat first on the second morning, Dorset nearly regretted the decision as they were reduced to 49-6 thanks to Oxfordshire debutant David Wade (3-41).

But Chris Park (61) and Ed Denham (53) steadied the ship in the lower order, enabling the visitors to reach 178.

Oxfordshire, meanwhile, suffered a similar fate in reply, with Mitch Wilson (3-27), Denham (4-29) and captain Tom Hicks (3-38) bowling superbly to dismiss the home side for just 116.

As wickets continued to fall on the second day, Nick Park (2), Aaron Williams (17) and Charlie Esson (5) all succumbed as Dorset edged to 44-3 at stumps.

Masoor Khan chipped in with a vital 37 after resuming day three unbeaten on 13 and, along with contributions from Darren Cowley (22), Hicks (19) and Denham (20 not out), Dorset were leading by 212 when Chris Park perished for 19.

But the rain started falling again just before lunch and no further play was possible.