ED Ellis’s sublime century helped Dorset secure a draw on the final day of their Unicorns Championship clash at Cheshire.

The middle order batsman struck his maiden Minor Counties ton at Nantwich, finishing 100 not out from 160 deliveries.

Dorset resumed day three 99 for two, still 65 runs behind after being asked to follow on by the hosts.

Despite Alex Eckland (19) being unable to add to his overnight total, the visitors offered resistance with a 65-run stand between Luke Webb and Ellis.

Vice-skipper Webb (76) had helped Dorset gain a one-run lead before being stumped off the bowling of Danny Woods (5-116) in an innings which lasted 170 deliveries.

Ellis and Scott Currie continued to dig in for the visitors as rain interruptions hindered the game’s progress.

Currie (10) was eventually dismissed by Wayne White (3-82), who also picked up the wicket of Harry Fisher (7) as Dorset were reduced to 234 for six.

All-rounder Josh McCoy (33) lasted 44 balls alongside Ellis as the visitors looked to see out the evening session.

Skipper Park (0) became Woods’s fifth victim – the visitors at this point held a lead of 115.

But with Jigar Naik (9*) for company, Ellis reached three figures before Dorset closed on 312 for eight and the contest was ended as a draw.