DORSET 176 (0pts) lost to BERKSHIRE 307-8 (2pts) by 131 runs

DORSET’S hopes of qualifying for the last eight of the Unicorns Knockout Trophy were dashed as they suffered a crushing 131-run loss to table-toppers Berkshire at North Perrott.

The home side, who went into the final day of fixtures in their Group One pool in second spot, had no answer to an aggressive batting display and impressive bowling performance from their strong visitors.

That, coupled with Devon’s 93-run win at Cornwall, meant it was Devon who progressed as group runners-up behind Berkshire.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first against Berkshire, hosts Dorset could only restrict their visitors to 307-8 from their allotted 50 overs.

Berkshire’s Euan Woods set the platform with a knock of 70 from 96 balls before a late blitz from Chris Peploe, who made 55 from just 23 deliveries, helped take his side past 300.

Max Waller was the pick of the Dorset attack with 2-48 from 10 overs.

In reply, Dorset never really kept up with the required rate. North Perrott skipper Gordon Whorlow reached 50 on his home ground before being run out, but that was really as good as it got for the home team.

Skipper Chris Park was the last man to fall as Dorset were bowled out for just 176 from 47.5 overs.