HEAD coach Paul Prichard insisted the wisdom of professionals Max Waller and Lewis McManus had contributed heavily to Dorset's flying start to the season.

Somerset wrist-spinner Waller has featured in all three of Dorset's Unicorns Knockout Trophy wins to date – albeit his first appearance was curtailed due to sickness.

Waller bagged three wickets in the two subsequent games and hit a steadfast 46 against Oxfordshire as his team clinched a place in the quarter-finals for the first time in four years.

Hampshire wicketkeeper-batsman McManus excelled against Berkshire and Cornwall, clouting back-to-back centuries before being rested for the victory at Oxfordshire.

However, Prichard believes the duo's influence goes beyond more than mere figures.

He told the Daily Echo: "When I spoke to them before the season started, my aim was for them to give as much on-field education as possible because they had played at a high level.

"I can do so much prior to the game and after the game but the on-field education is so important to the younger guys.

"The way Lewis has talked to the batsmen in partnerships and the way Max's intensity in the field has improved our fielding, you can see improvements have been made just by having those two around.

"They have encouraged the other guys to follow them."

McManus returns to the Dorset side for tomorrow's crucial home clash against Devon at Bashley Cricket Ground (11am) but Waller misses out due to Somerset commitments.

Brad Currie is also unavailable but spinner Jem Warner returns, as does the fit-again James Hayman.

Dorset head into the fixture knowing victory will be enough to secure a home tie against Wiltshire or Buckinghamshire in the last eight.

However, should Devon take victory and pip Dorset for top spot, Chris Park's side would face an away trip to Cumberland or Norfolk.

Reflecting generally on the season, Prichard added: "We're quite happy with the start we've had but having said that, we've only played three games and have a lot more to go. We're not getting complacent by any stretch.

"The guys have executed the game plans well and we've managed to get over the line in three close games, which was very satisfying.

"We have a mixture of youth and experience in the side, which is fantastic, and everyone has chipped in at crucial times. It hasn't just been the pros that have done the job for us. It's been a team effort with bat and ball.

"Winning is a habit and it doesn't matter what format you play, the more you win the more confident you feel going into the next game.

"The three-day matches are going to be another challenge altogether but the lads are looking forward to it."

Dorset: (from) McManus, Khan, Scott, Porter, Webb, Wolstenholme, Park, Thomson, Digby, Hayman, Lilley, Jacques, Warner.