MCCA Knockout Trophy semi-final

STAFFORDSHIRE 172 (43.1 overs) beat DORSET 122 (44 overs) by 50 runs

IT WAS agony for Dorset as they fell at the final hurdle in their quest to make the final of the MCCA Knockout Trophy, losing out to Staffordshire by 50 runs.

After Staffordshire were put in by Chris Park’s men at Chapel Gate, they were on top of the early exchanges, reaching 115-1.

But some fine bowling by the Dorset spinners, led by Somerset professional Max Waller (3-19) helped pull the game back in their favour.

Jem Warner also claimed 3-30 as eight Staffordshire wickets fell to spin in their score of 172.

But Dorset struggled chasing from the outset and were staring down the barrel at 61-7 – including the bizarre run out of Waller without scoring.

That left the lower order with just too much to do and, despite some resistance from wicketkeeper Park (28) he was the last wicket to fall as Dorset crashed out of the competition.