DORSET head coach Paul Prichard insists his players have been “a great side to work with” this season, and will learn from their one-day semi-final heartache in this year’s MCCA Knockout Trophy.

In his first year at the helm of the county, the former Essex skipper helped guide Dorset to the last four of the Trophy competition before they were knocked out in a 50-run defeat to Staffordshire at Chapel Gate.

But, with three-day Championship cricket now the team’s main focus for the rest of the season, Prichard insisted the entire squad can be proud of their efforts so far.

Asked by Echosport which individuals had stood out for him so far this summer, Prichard replied: “All of them, to be honest with you.

“I think the team spirit and the togetherness of the lads with general different abilities has been great.

“I am not one for singling people out purely because they have played as a team in one-day and three-day cricket all season. They have helped each other out of situations and got each other into some situations!”

He added: “I think the young players have stood up exceptionally well.

“At the start of the season, all we wished for was progress with everyone that has played and I think we have had that so, on that side, it has been extremely pleasing.

“They are a great side to work with as a coach.”

Giving his assessment on their last-four loss, Prichard, whose side were skittled out for 122 chasing 173 to win, added: “It was a disappointing end to the day.

“I think in the first half of the game we played extremely well, we bowled well and fielded exceptionally.

“We thought we were well in the game but knew it wasn’t going to be easy. We talked about that at half-time and knew they would put us under some pressure at times. It was disappointing in the second half of the game.

“It’s a tough learning experience. Staffordshire were an aggressive side with bat and ball, they put you under pressure verbally and they (the Dorset players) would have learnt a lot and that’s how it should be. That’s what cricket is.

“We just need to maybe be a little bit tougher when we bat sometimes and realise situations but that will come with experience.”

Dorset now face Cornwall in a three-day clash, starting on Sunday at Truro (11am).