DORSET opened their County League South campaign with a 6-6 draw against reigning English county champions Hampshire at Remedy Oak.

Broadstone's Lee James and Parkstone's Arrun Singh Brar battled back to reach the 18th tee all square having been three down with four to play, only for the visitors to win one up.

Parkstone's Andy Rideout and Dudsbury's Luke Hirst were beaten 3&2 but Matthew Sandy and Callum Ward triumphed 7&6.

Solid play from Ferndown's Giles Legg and Remedy's Arron Bullock saw the teams level at 2-2 at lunch.

Matters started superbly in the afternoon with Bullock (3&2), Singh Brar (2&1), James (2&1) and Sandy (2&1) registering wins, which guaranteed at least a halved match.

However, with Rideout, Hirst and Legg losing, it was left to Ward to try to secure an all-important half for overall victory.

He was one up after nine but Hampshire captain Colin Roope levelled things up and then holed a six-footer for birdie at the last, ensuring overall honours ended even.

Captain Tom Leech said: "We had a great opportunity to win but it was still an excellent start to our season and something we can build on going into South West Week next month."