HEREFORDSHIRE 262 & 127 (4pts) lost to DORSET 293-6 & 100-4 (23pts) by six wickets

DORSET recorded their first MCCA Championship Western Division victory of the campaign, as they remained in control on the final day at Herefordshire.

Starting day three in the driving seat with Herefordshire reduced to 117-8 overnight in their second innings, the away side efficiently claimed the final two wickets they needed in quick fashion at Colwall.

Dorset’s Mark Wolstenholme (3-42) had Peter Burgoyne caught by fellow opening bowler James Hayman for 67.

Spinner Jigar Naik finished with impressive figures of 7-47, after finally removing the resilient Jamie McIlroy (2) when he was stumped by skipper Chris Park.

McIlroy had frustrated the Dorset attack during the evening session of day two.

He faced a staggering 58 deliveries for his two runs, batting at number 10.

With Herefordshire only adding 10 runs to their overnight total, Dorset were tasked with chasing 97 for victory in their second innings.

Park’s side lost opener Ed Ellis (0) to only his second ball inside the first over and the rocky start continued when Luke Webb (17), Sam Collins (28) and Naik (1) were also back in the shed.

But Bashley skipper Michael Porter (26no) and North Perrott’s Alex Eckland (24) steadied the ship with an unbeaten stand of 46 to guide the away side to victory on 100-4.

The triumph meant Dorset picked up 23 league points in total, giving them a return of 39 from their opening three fixtures.