DORSET mounted a gritty comeback to trail Cornwall by just three runs heading into the final day of their MCCA Unicorns Championship Western Division clash at Redruth.

Resuming on 53-3, 83 runs adrift of Dorset, the Crows sailed into an imposing position as Matthew Robins and Greg Smith piled on 96 runs for the fourth wicket to establish an 11-run lead.

Simon Woodruff (3-51) began the fightback when ripping out Cornwall’s middle order and Jigar Naik (4-74) snapped up a further two, including that of last man out Robins (94) who was bowled by the off-spinner agonisingly short of a century.

Cornwall’s innings lasted just 66 overs, with Dorset having taken seven wickets for 87 runs to restrict the Crows to 234 all out.

Dorset’s reply encountered a shaky start as Alex Turner (0) edged Jonathan Ludlum behind in the second over.

In a more measured batting display, Dorset ground out the runs after seeing off former Leicestershire all-rounder Tom Wells, who conceded just 25 runs from 15 overs.

At stumps, with rain curtailing play, captain Luke Webb remained unbeaten on 38 off 145 balls, while in-form Alex Eckland (51no) helped Dorset close on 95-1 off 45 overs.