DESPITE a hard-fought 93 not out from Michael Porter, Dorset ended day one of their MCCA Championship clash with Cornwall at Truro on the back foot.

The visitors were bowled out for 175 before Cornwall finished the day on 169-4, just six runs behind the away side’s total, meaning Dorset have some work to do on day two if they are to get back into the match.

Opening up, Masoor Khan (7) was dismissed early on before Luke Webb and Tom Arnold fell cheaply to give the away side a headache.

If it wasn’t for Porter, Dorset’s afternoon could have been a lot worse. He was assisted by Max Trueman (19) and Chris Park (16), but they stumbled to what seemed a below-par total on a baking hot day in the South West.

In reply, the hosts lost Matthew Rowe early as he was caught by Brad Currie off the bowling of former Hampshire paceman Tom Barber.

Brad Wadlan, who averages more than 60 this season, came to the crease and scored 19 before he was bowled by Mark Wolstenholme.

With the score on 49-2, Matt Robins (48) and Scott Harvey put on 45 for the third wicket before Dorset broke through.

Masoor Khan took a catch off Sam Thomson’s bowling to remove Robins and with the next ball Jem Warner saw off Harvey with the score on 94-4.

But, Greg Smith (31no) and Christian Purchase (35no) guided the hosts to the close, just six runs behind Dorset.