DORSET Disability Cricket Club stormed to a 78-run victory over Hampshire in their ECB Disability Softball Cricket PD/LD County Championships Super Nines League, South West Division clash at East Tytherley.

Hampshire won the toss and put Dorset into bat and the visitors lost their first wicket after five overs with a superb stumping by Hill.

Once again, captain Stephen Wilshire led by example scoring a magnificent 74 not out, just one short from having to retire in this format.

The spectators were kept on their toes dodging the numerous sixes being hit over the park. Other notable batting contributions came from Tom Best (29) and Andrew White (22) plus Julian Pilditch with a magnificent 15 off just five balls.

The Hampshire attack stuck to their game and continued to take wickets with Powell taking three and Hill two after switching from an excellent stint behind the stumps.

With Bates and Judson chipping in with a wicket apiece, Ritchie then got a first wicket for the team dismissing Dorset for 182 after 24.3 overs.

After rain in the interval, Dorset set about restricting the Hampshire opening pair from scoring runs.

After 10 overs the score was 27-4 as a superb effort in the field led to three run outs, two utilising the return of Andrew White behind the stumps and a direct throw at the sticks by Sam Marks.

Josh Courtenay took two wickets with one for Best.

Bates (26) and Ritchie (12), stemmed the tide as they put on over 50 but when Ritchie finally went, it was left to Bates and Melvin to see Hampshire record a final score of 104-6 after 30 overs, giving Dorset a handsome win.

Matchday coach Alan Marks said: “Well played one and all. If we progress the way we are, we should be able to challenge the better teams more and get some great results against Somerset and Gloucester.

“Well done Steve, a captain’s innings again and getting the fielding right. Keep it up guys!”

Next up Dorset travel away to Somerset at Taunton Dean on Sunday, June 16 (1.30pm).