An opening stand of 74 between Mas Khan and Tom Arnold paved the way for Dorset’s eight-wicket victory over Cheshire in the Minor Counties Championship yesterday.
Khan (69) remained undefeated at the close, his partnership with New Milton’s Arnold (27) helping Dorset chase a victory target of 153 at Chapel Gate.
Bashley spinner Sam Thomson also played a key role, adding six for 35 to his first-innings haul of five for 32 as Cheshire declared their second innings at 137 for nine.
An enthralling final day ensued after the first two had been severely interrupted by rain with Dorset crossing the line with 12 balls to spare.
Having restricted Cheshire to 157 in their first innings, Dorset took their overnight total of 25 for one to 142 for nine declared, with Chris Park (29), Arnold (23) and Thomson (26*) the main contributors.
Cheshire found runs hard to come by in their second innings, with Thomson, Bournemouth’s Rob Pack (2-28) and Bashley’s Brad Currie (1-17) among the wickets.
Dorset were set 153 from 32 overs and Luke Webb (21) and Mark Wolstenholme (18*) chipped in as they triumphed to claim their first Western Division win of the season.
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