A CAPTAIN'S innings from Devon's Josh Bess had Dorset on the back foot on the first day of their Unicorns Championship clash at Sidmouth today.

Josh Bess, who plays his club cricket for Sidmouth, hit a boundary-laden double century and shared a fourth-wicket stand of 220 with Alex Barrow as the Dorset bowlers toiled.

The 30-year-old's innings included no fewer than 19 fours and seven sixes and came off 231 balls.

It allowed Devon to post a formidable 426 for six from their 90 overs, with Dorset 52 for one at the close having lost Ben Wells (24).

Dorset made a promising start and had Devon openers Josh Mailling and Ben Green both back in the hutch with the score on 49.

Mailling was caught behind by Chris Park off the bowling of Ed Bartlett, while Green was superbly run out by Josh Digby.

And after Luke Webb had snaffled a catch off Mark Wolstenholme to get rid of George Allen, Devon were rocking at 59 for three.

However, Josh Bess (203), who remained undefeated, and Barrow (101), who was caught by Wolstenholme off the bowling of Digby, seized the initiative for the hosts.

Josh Bess went on to put on 55 for the fifth wicket with brother Zac Bess (26) and 68 for the sixth wicket with other sibling Luke Bess (27).

Digby (2-91), Bartlett (1-62), Josh McCoy (1-88) and Wolstenholme (1-97) were the Dorset wicket-takers.