CHRIS Park saw Dorset reach their first Unicorns Knockout Trophy quarter-final in four years before admitting a relaxed approach had resulted in his team’s rapid resurgence.

Dorset booked their place in the last eight following a four-wicket win at Oxfordshire on Sunday, an impressive turnaround considering the county had only won once in the competition in the previous two years.

With an effective play-off against Devon to come on Sunday to decide who finishes top, skipper Park is in buoyant mood and insists the whole squad is in a strong position mentally.

Park, who began working alongside head coach Paul Prichard following the departure of Alan Willows in September, told the Daily Echo: “Alan was a great coach with great intensity and said all the same things that Prich is saying but just because we have a happier, more relaxed and more confident environment, things are starting to piece together nicely.

“Long may it continue.

“That said, although we’ve won three out of three, we are only at the beginning of the season and still have to get to Championship cricket.”

Park admitted he had been pleasantly surprised by the run of results in the Trophy.

Asked if he had thought his team could possess a 100 per cent winning record after three games, Park said: “No, we didn’t and it has taken us all by surprise. The lads are talented and we all have belief in them and it’s amazing what confidence can do.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve actually been in a quarter-final.

“Against Oxfordshire we were without Lewis McManus, the key player in the first two games and still had the confidence to put our hands up and perform like we did.

“The bowlers were outstanding and the batting unit got us so far. There was a little wobble towards the end but Luke Webb finished the game off and looked like he had been doing so for years.

“To get 33 not out was a brilliant innings from him.”

Dorset will hope to wrap up top spot in Group One against Devon – following Thursday’s T20 friendly against Hampshire at Bashley – with a home draw in the last eight on the line.

“Devon snuck home against Berkshire in the last over, which has actually put a bit of pressure on Sunday’s game,” added Park.

“Hopefully, Lewis will be available but Max Waller is not available, unfortunately.

“But the lads have confidence even without one professional in the side and I’m sure we can do it again.”

Dorset’s best performance in the competition in recent years saw them suffer a four-wicket defeat to Cumberland in the 2012 semi-finals.

The county side had previously disposed of Cheshire in the quarter-finals.

Park, Masoor Khan, Mark Wolstenholme and Mike Porter – all current squad members – were part of the 2012 team.