DORSET 19

NORFOLK 21

DORSET’S Premier team narrowly lost 21-19 in a thrilling Inter-County Championship semi-final against Norfolk.

In the first session the singles and pairs ended all square at two mats each. Dorset took the ascendency in the second session, winning two mats and drawing one, to lead 9-7 at the halfway stage.

Norfolk responded in the third session, taking both singles and one pair, and accumulating the bonus points in both disciplines.

Norfolk were now leading 17-11. This left Dorset with an uphill task, needing to win three mats in the final session and gain all the remaining bonus points on offer.

After a cautious start, both Dorset triples won well and gained their bonus points. Dorset’s fours, however, were unable to match their morning performance and, despite taking the bonus points, narrowly lost both mats.

Norfolk won by two points and play the West Midlands in the final.