DORSET were dealt a baptism of fire as they were soundly beaten 25-11 by reigning champions Lancashire in their county darts Premiership opener.

Competing at the level for the first time, Dorset found themselves 13-5 behind after day one and could not recover.

Dorset winners from the B team games were Liam Blakeley, Richie Gomm, Peri-May Yarrow, Trina Perry and Bev Scarff.

Things did not get much better results-wise on day two in Wigan.

Ryan Gowans, Dan Perry, Mark Grimes, Robbie Martin, Julie Boggust and Sam Kirton collected wins for the A teams.

Often the star man for the team, 2015 BDO world champion Scott Mitchell was seen off 4-1 by Jordan Brooks in his match, missing a string of doubles.

Dorset are next in action against Lincolnshire on September 30, the county’s first Premiership home match.