COACH Alan Willows is hoping Dorset’s impressive victory over Berkshire can be the catalyst to kick-start his team’s season.

After being defeated by Wales in their opening Minor Counties Knockout Trophy group match, Dorset bounced back with a convincing seven-wicket win at Burnham.

Captain Tom Hicks (3-40) and Scott Barlow (3-63) both claimed the scalps of three Berkshire batsmen but David Barnes made 90 to take the hosts to a competitive 254 for eight from their 50 overs.

However, Masoor Khan smashed 85 off 121 balls, Aaron Williams struck an unbeaten 66 and Jake Lintott (44) and Mark Wolstenholme (42 not out) weighed in with big scores to seal a fine success with 19 deliveries to spare.

Willows told the Dorset Echo: “I am delighted with the win. We played some very good cricket after the disappointing result we had against Wales.

“We fielded as well as I have seen any Dorset side field for a long, long time.

“We knew two big partnerships would probably win us the game and we had to show more mental strength than we did against Wales. I think we did that and I was pleased to see Masoor Khan get some runs.

Willows added: “I am hoping this win will kick-start our season and we are looking forward to the next game against Staffordshire.”