STAFFORDSHIRE 115 (0pts) lost to DORSET 118-1 (2pts) by nine wickets

DORSET stormed to a huge nine-wicket win over Staffordshire to record their second-straight NCCA Trophy Group Four win at West Bromwich.

Even a delay to proceedings caused by a wet outfield did not prove an obstacle for Luke Webb’s men, who fully capitalised despite losing the toss and being asked to field.

Dorset’s first two wickets were earned via the seam of Simon Woodruff (1-21) and Ollie Breckon (2-12) as Staffs fell to 17-2.

Michael Hill (28) and Jake Redman (23) rebuilt to 60-2 until a mesmerising spell of spin bowling from Rob Pack put Dorset firmly in control.

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Bournemouth left-arm spinner Pack (5-18) removed both men in their stride plus the trio of Tom Moulton (4), Tom Hope (3) and Grant Thornton (3) to leave the hosts in serious peril at 98-7.

The run out of Sam Wisniewski (5) added further pressure to the set Peter Wilshaw (21), who was castled by the returning Breckon as Dorset’s attack fired in all areas.

And Jacob Gordon (1-2) needed only one over to wrap up the innings by bowling Alex Coates (1) as Dorset were given a 116 victory target.

Such small chases can prove tricky but Dorset managed their reply superbly, scoring at a brisk rate thanks to openers Gordon and Oli Soames.

After scoring at more than a run per ball, Dorset lost their first wicket in the 12th over as Gordon (31) perished to Hope (1-23).

Rather than defend after the wicket, Soames (65no) reached for an extra gear and brought up his half-century with consecutive sixes as Dorset surged into triple figures in the 16th over.

New batter Greg Willows (8no), making his first Dorset appearance of the season, rotated the strike for Soames, who duly hit the winning boundary with the first ball of the 18th over to complete a hugely impressive win.

Pending the result of Wales’ match with Wiltshire, Dorset temporarily climbed to the summit ahead of meeting the Welshmen at Wimborne in their next game on Sunday, June 26 (11am).