SKIPPER Chris Park’s determined last-ditch effort with the bat failed to save Dorset from another demoralising Unicorns Championship defeat.

Park dominated a defiant last-wicket partnership with James Hayman to frustrate Wiltshire at Corsham.

But their efforts proved in vain as the hosts wrapped up a 94-run victory.

It represented Dorset’s ninth consecutive Minor Counties Championship Western Division loss, a miserable run dating back to July 2012 when they last won against Shropshire.

Since winning the MCCA title with victory against Lincolnshire in 2010, the county side have won just two of 20 league encounters and last summer finished rock-bottom of the standings having failed to secure a single win.

Park’s unbeaten 87 was the highlight as the visitors rattled off 348 in their second innings.

The early dismissal of Mike Porter dented Dorset’s hopes of a recovery on the third day, and while Mansoor Khan and Tom Hicks put on 54 for the second wicket, they quickly fell alongside Luke Webb for just two further runs with the total on 76 for four.

Jake Lintott blasted 65 from 56 balls with 13 fours before Park entered the action but, despite being ably assisted by Sam Thomson’s 27 of 26 deliveries and Hayman’s efforts, it was never likely to be enough.

Dorset’s next assignment sees them visit Herefordshire at the start of next month.