GLYN Treagus feels Dorset’s current team are far better equipped to lift the Minor Counties Championship crown than their triumphant 2000 title winners.

The former Hampshire batsman admits spin king Vyv Pike was a major reason why the south coast outfit beat Cumberland in the MCC final at Chapel Gate 11 years ago.

Treagus believes Pike’s 57-wicket haul, including six in the final, demonstrated Dorset’s “reliance” on the ex-Gloucestershire bowler for their fine achievement that year.

It is the only occasion the Dean Park-based team have claimed the national title since joining the Minor Counties set-up in 1902.

Treagus, part of that winning team, hopes to help Dorset to a long-awaited second success when they host Lincolnshire in this season’s four-day final, which begins at Dean Park tomorrow (10.30am).

Lymington’s experienced batsman said nothing would please him more if he could complete a personal double as well.

Treagus, one of only two survivors from Dorset’s 2000 final-winning team, added: “We were very reliant on Vyv in those days.

“He took plenty of wickets and was the ace in our pack, but we are a stronger all round unit now.

“We can bat down to number 11 and if the top order isn’t scoring runs, the bottom has been doing pretty well and made up for it.

“Everyone is chipping in and all the bowlers are taking wickets. It’s all good team performances rather than someone standing out.

“Our batting doesn’t seem to collapse, like we did in the past, and that should stand us in good stead against Lincolnshire.

“That’s not to say we didn’t have a great team then, because we did. It’s just we’re probably better balanced now than before.”

Treagus, who hit 29 runs and took three wickets as Dorset beat Cumberland by five wickets in 2000, feels the future looks bright for the south coast outfit.

The 35-year-old said: “I don’t believe it’s one of my last chances to win silverware with Dorset.

“I, hopefully, would have another couple of years left in me yet and I know Darren Cowley, who also played in that final against Cumberland, isn’t looking to retire in the near future.

“We have a good nucleus of youngsters coming through and a good relationship with Somerset, so we can use a few of their pro players.

“I don’t think we will struggle if we don’t win it this year.

“It’s a good opportunity and achievement to get into the final as Western Division champions.

“But I think we will have a strong team for quite a few years to come. It doesn’t mean it’s the last chance for me.”