RORY Bell came closest to winning a match for Dorset in the under-15 Inter-Counties boys’ competition in Devon.

He lost a five-set thriller (11-5, 11-13, 12-10, 7-11, 6-11) in his match against the hosts.

Rory eventually lost his war of attrition, having to defend against an aggressive hard-hitting player with very long rallies.

The only other Dorset player to take a set was Milo Bant who lost 3-1 in the match against Somerset.

Devon and Somerset both chalked up 3-0 victories over Dorset.

Dorset team: Philip Sargeant, Rory Bell, Milo Bant, Charlie Sawyer, Joe Grange.