BASHLEY’S Richard Morris was involved in a double-century stand as Berkshire put Dorset to the sword on the opening day of their Minor Counties Championship clash at Dean Park today.

Morris (122) put on 229 for the fifth wicket with Andy Rishton (127) as Berkshire showed Dorset no mercy on what could be their final Western Division match at the venue.

Although Bashley’s Sam Thomson (4-75) eventually removed his club-mate when he had him stumped by Chris Park, Berkshire were well on their way to piling up 411 for eight declared.

Jake Lilley (2-58), who also plays for Bashley, accounted for Berkshire openers Simon Macey and Waqas Hussain before Harry Stephens (68) helped the visitors reach 152 for four.

Morris was then joined by Rishton, the pair peppering the boundary and hitting 15 fours and nine sixes between them as Dorset wilted.

Thomson broke the partnership at 381 for five when he claimed the scalp of Morris before having Rishton caught by James Hayman in his next over.

Berkshire skipper James Morris, one of five Bashley players involved in the clash, called a halt to their first innings, leaving Dorset to face 20 overs before close of play.

And in reply, Dorset lost Curtis Blakemore and Ryan Scott, leaving them on 41 for two.