DORSET'S hopes of clinching their first Minor Counties Championship Western Division win of the season were scuppered as Berkshire clinched a last-gasp four-wicket victory at Finchampstead.

After the hosts declared on 160-6 overnight, Dorset went straight into bat when play resumed yesterday morning.

Despite the early loss of second day hero Matt Swarbrick for four, opener Glyn Treagus set about setting Berkshire what was thought would be an unassailable target as he cracked a solid 36 before being bowled by the slow left arm of Richard Davis.

Last season's championship-winner, Darren Cowley, was equally assertive, hammering a characteristic 55 off just 49 balls, including eight fours and a six.

And when Martin Miller and David Kidner followed suit with an impressive partnership of 39, it looked as though Dorset's prayers had been answered with Berkshire set 219 to win off a minimum 50 overs.

Kidner and Viv Pike conspired well to reduce their hosts to 47-3, but captain Julian Wood again proved the thorn in Dorset's side, adding a further 34 runs before being caught by Cowley off the bowling of Pike.

The game was still very much in the balance at tea with Berkshire on 84-4. However, Paul Carter's supremely composed 49 not out from 39 balls consigned Dorset to yet another disappointing defeat with just four balls remaining.