A MAMMOTH first-wicket stand between Tom Arnold (67) and Ed Ellis (62) helped Dorset seal their first competitive victory of the season in a rain-hit Unicorns Knockout Trophy clash with Oxfordshire.

The duo put on 142 for the first wicket after the visitors elected to field first at Bashley Cricket Ground, Dorset eventually reaching 167 for two from 36.3 overs before the rain came down.

That break in proceedings meant overs were lost from the encounter, meaning Oxfordshire were set a revised target of 232 from 36 overs for victory.

And with the weather still playing its part, Dorset did their bit with the ball to restrict the away side to 174 for seven after 30 overs before the sides went off for bad light.

After more number crunching via the Duckworth-Lewis method, and play being called for the day, the hosts were named winners by 17 runs.

It was the ideal manner for Ellis to mark his full debut for Dorset.

The Lymington ace hit 537 runs in the Southern League last season at an average of 38.36 – including a blistering 140 against Bashley.

Ellis helped his cause for county selection with an unbeaten 65 for Dorset Leopards against Bournemouth University at Wimborne.