CAPTAIN Luke Webb's fine half-century guided Dorset into a solid position on day one of their NCCA Championship match against Cheshire at Oxton.
Having chosen to bat first after winning the toss, Webb vindicated his decision with a patient 82 from 196, hitting eight boundaries.
Josh Digby (27) and Oli Soames (28) got the visitors off to a good start before both men perished to David Wainwright (2-68).
Webb then strode to the crease and anchored Dorset's innings around some fine bowling from Michael Finan (4-85).
At 171-5 with 28.3 overs remaining, Dorset scored another 154 runs - largely thanks to the brilliance of Ed Ellis and Simon Woodruff.
Ellis smacked 71 from 81 balls, including 11 fours, while Bournemouth all-rounder Woodruff slammed 32 from 20 balls.
READ MORE: Dorset knocked out of NCCA Trophy by Devon
Late hitting from James Trodd (29 off 18) helped Dorset register a competitive total of 325-8 from 90 overs.
At the close of play, Cheshire built steadily to 63-0 for a deficit of 262, Timothy Hughes (27no) and Calum Rowe (26no) both unbeaten.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here