DORSET 275-6 beat HAMPSHIRE SECONDS 253 by 22 runs

DORSET secured their second victory in two years over Hampshire Seconds with a comfortable 22-run defeat of the Ageas Bowl outfit at Dean Park.

Captain Chris Park was thrilled with his side’s display as they made it two pre-season wins from two going into their first competitive one-day encounter with Cornwall on Sunday.

"We were looking to improve on our batting," he told Echosport. "I don’t normally bat first as captain, I am quite reserved in my choices, but it was a fantastic pitch at Dean Park.

“Hampshire had four or five lads who we were aware of and the rest were good academy players.

“To beat a professional outfit is really pleasing and we are full of confidence going into next week.”

Having won the toss and batted for the first time at home this season, Ryan Scott set the platform for the Minor Counties side to build a strong total, scoring a solid 81 from 119 deliveries.

He was aided by Chris Jones, who racked up 47 in his first innings of the summer.

Some late hitting from Mike Kitson and skipper Park saw the home team post 275-6 from their 50 overs.

Tom Hicks starred with the ball for Dorset, claiming 3-3 from his four overs, and there were two wickets each for fellow spinners Sam Thomson and Jem Warner, as Dorset bowled the visitors out for 253 in 48.1 overs.

Having set the game up earlier in the day, Park was full of praise for batsman Scott.

“I am really pleased for Ryan," the county skipper added. "To get 80-odd as a young batsman was fantastic.

“The only thing we could say to him is that he ran out two of our batters. He needs to work on that but individually he can take some confidence going into the game against Cornwall.”

Speaking about the return of former Somerset man Jones, Park said: “It was a great first innings from him, he was straight back in the groove and got a very good 47.

“His first 10 runs were slightly scratchy but after that he hit his first boundary and then looked in complete control.”