DORSET’S hopes of appearing in a glamorous national final were extinguished at Dean Park today – despite a dramatic Tom Hicks-inspired late rally.

Hicks defied mounting pressure to hit 93 off 94 deliveries, his highest score in Minor Counties cricket, but his heroics ultimately proved in vain as Wiltshire held on for a 22-run win.

In glorious conditions at Bournemouth’s picturesque venue, both sides were vying for a last-four berth and the opportunity to progress to the showpiece MCCA Trophy final at Durham’s Riverside ground.

And it was the visitors who seized the early initiative and claimed a hard-fought victory in the quarter-final. Once Wiltshire had racked up a formidable 343 for six after winning the toss, Dorset were always chasing the game.

And although Sean Walbridge’s side staged a remarkable comeback in the closing stages of their reply – with skipper Hicks supported by Bournemouth’s hard-hitting Ed Denham (46 off 31 balls) – they left themselves with too much to do.

Earlier in the day, Wiltshire had treated spectators to a fine innings, which was built around exceptional centuries from Tom Morton (132 off 133 balls) and Joe Breet (111 off 91 balls), the pair sharing a 201-run partnership for the third wicket.

Denham (2-20) was the most productive Dorset bowler, while Simon Watkins returned economical figures, conceding just 39 from his 10 overs as the hosts were made to toil under blue skies.

Chasing the imposing target, Dorset lost wickets at regular intervals and looked out of the game until Hicks’s arrival.

Bournemouth all-rounder Watkins gave the run-chase fresh impetus with an entertaining 35, before club-mate Matt Metcalfe added 20.

Skipper Hicks continued to hold together the lower order, as he combined good placement and powerful hitting to great effect.

And when he was joined by Denham, Dorset fans began to dream as the duo accelerated towards the huge target with a series of big shots.

But Wiltshire held their nerve to remain in the competition.