DORSET’S hopes of qualifying for the last eight of the Unicorns Trophy were dashed as they suffered a 131-run defeat to table-toppers Berkshire at North Perrott.

Despite heading into the final round of fixtures second in their group, they had no answer to an accomplished performance from the visitors.

The reverse, coupled with Devon’s 93-run win at Cornwall, saw the Devonians progress as group runners-up behind Berkshire.

After winning the toss and electing to bowl first against Berkshire, Dorset watched the visitors pile up an imposing 307 for eight from their allotted 50 overs.

Berkshire’s Euan Woods set the platform with a knock of 70 from 96 balls before a late blitz from Chris Peploe, who made 55 from just 23 deliveries, helped take them past the 300-mark.

Max Waller was the pick of the Dorset attack with two for 48 from 10 overs.

In reply, Dorset never really kept up with the required rate.

North Perrott skipper Gordon Whorlow made the most of batting on his home ground by reaching 50 before being run out but that was as good as it got for the home team.

Skipper Chris Park (pictured) was the last man to fall as Dorset were bowled out for just 176 from 47.5 overs.