DORSET CC cruised to a 10 wicket victory over Wales NC as they go in search of the NCCA Cluberly Western Division Two Championship title.
The three-day championship title is now a straight fight between Dorset and Wiltshire after Wilf La Fontaine Jackson and Dylan Church set a first wicket partnership record for the county.
The pair scored were a whopping 242 runs whilst at the crease together during Dorset's second innings - all the runs needed for victory.
It surpassed the previous first wicket partnership of George Jones and Charles Brockway against Devon in 1933.
On Sunday, Wales NC had been put into bat in Wimborne and were bowled out for 339.
Jack Hope-Bell (104), Cian Davies (54) and Cameron Herring (45) helping the side set a decent target for Luke Webb's team to follow. Dorset's slow left-arm bowler Connor Smith was in good form with the ball as he took 5-76.
In reply Dorset set about chasing down the first innings target thanks to Joe Eckland (112) and Will Tripcony (90) as they were bowled out for 346 - taking a 7 run lead into the second innings.
Smith continued his bowling form form the first innings to claim career best bowling figures with 6-99. Wales' Herring (51) top scored for Wales as they were bowled out for 248.
Needing 242 for victory, La Fontaine Jackson (116 n/o) and Church (109 n/o) made quick work of the chase and secured 24 points for the county side.
La Fontaine Jackson also became the first Dorset batter in 18 years to score a century in his first match in the competition.
Dorset's rivals Wiltshire completed their programme with a 55 runs victory over Shropshire at Bridgnorth.
They will now have to watch and wait when Dorset take on Cheshire in the final round of matches at Chester Boughton Hall.
Wiltshire are 13 points clear of Dorset who kept their promotion hopes alive with victory over Wales following a 122 run defeat to Wiltshire a week ago.
Dorset's game with Chester beings on Sunday, August 31, at 11am.
Dorset will be hoping to add to the NCCA Trophy they won earlier in the season and pick up silverware in all three formats of the game.
Prior to the three-day championship showdown Dorset will take part in the T20 finals day having secured their spot with wins over Berkshire and Suffolk in the Super 12s.
The finals day will take place at Wormsley on Sunday August 24 with Dorset competing for the trophy against Northumberland, Oxford and Norfolk.
