CHRIS Park admitted only a psychologist could unlock the reasons why Dorset fell at the last hurdle with a final appearance within their grasp.

The county side were bidding to reach the Unicorns Trophy final for the first time in a decade against Staffordshire at Chapel Gate yesterday.

However, after restricting the visitors to a manageable 172, Dorset fell well short on 122 as their fine run of form in one-day cricket came to a shuddering halt.

Captain Park, who was part of the Dorset side defeated in the final of the Trophy in 2006, was left bemused and downhearted by the result.

He told the Daily Echo: "We're disappointed that we ended the competition in that manner having done so well with the bat all year.

"We were very happy to chase 172. The pitch was conducive to spin but it was nothing we couldn't have dealt with.

"To be 61 for seven, I can't explain what happened there.

"We can make excuses for everything. Trying to recover from 61 for seven is virtually impossible. Unfortunately, the batsmen need to take the blame a bit.

"Whether it was pressure, not knowing the bowlers and not being able to think on our feet, I really don't know.

"They were really soft dismissals. A couple of really poor shots up the top of the order, a clumsy run-out, which is inexcusable in Minor Counties cricket.

"It's inexplicable at this second, without being a psychologist. I'm scratching my head, if I'm honest."

After Staffordshire were put in to bat, they were on top of the early exchanges, reaching 115 for one.

But some fine bowling by the Dorset spinners, led by Somerset professional Max Waller (3-19), helped pull the game back in their favour.

Jem Warner also claimed three for 30 as eight Staffordshire wickets fell to spin in their score of 172.

But Dorset struggled to chase down the total from the outset.

Tom Arnold and Luke Webb were dismissed for single-figure totals and although opener Mas Khan threatened to build up sizeable score, he was removed for 22 after nearly an hour at the crease.

Dorset were staring down the barrel at 61 for seven – including the bizarre run out of Waller without scoring.

That left the lower order with too much to do and, despite some resistance from wicketkeeper Park (28), he was the last wicket to fall as Dorset crashed out of the competition.

Dorset are due to make an immediate return to action in the Unicorns Championship on Sunday, with a lengthy trip to Truro to take on Cornwall in the offing.

Park's men have made a positive start to their Western Division campaign having tasted victory twice in three games.