DORSET held firm to bat out for a draw against Cornwall to continue their unbeaten start to the MCCA Unicorns Championship Western Division season.

Coming into the contest with two wins and a draw, Luke Webb's men looked in danger after being bowled out for just 136 in their opening innings.

They kept the game alive on day two, dismissing the hosts for 234 in reply.

But with rain delays affecting the contest, it became apparent that a draw was the best Dorset could realistically hope for.

And they took to the task well, batting through the entirety of day three at Redruth.

Resuming on 95-1, Dorset reached 115 before losing Alex Eckland, caught off the bowling of Jonathan Ludlam after an important knock of 62 off 148 balls.

Scott Currie quickly followed for a second-ball duck, giving the hosts a glimmer of hope that they could force a victory.

But with opener Webb remaining at the crease, it proved to be too tall an order.

Dorset sat on 135 for three at lunch, giving them a lead of 37.

Webb continued to bat after the interval and top scored with a patient 87 off 244 deliveries.

Edward Ellis added 33 while Harry Fisher contributed 32 before number nine Simon Woodruff of Bournemouth dug in to face 102 deliveries, eventually carrying his bat for 29 at close.

The two captains shook hands for a draw with Dorset sitting 177 runs ahead on 275 for eight just after 5pm.

Dorset sit third in the table and host Wales later this month at North Perrott.