Dorset reach Trophy quarters after final-round drama

DORSET have qualified for the NCCA Trophy quarter-finals after a perfect cocktail of two results falling their way.

Going into the final round of Group Four fixtures, Dorset stood third in the table with only the top two progressing to the last eight.

Cheshire were leading on six points, ahead of Wiltshire and Dorset on four points. Net run rate (NRR) only kept Wiltshire ahead of Luke Webb’s men, who completed all four fixtures.

It meant Dorset had to hope Cheshire defeated Wiltshire by a large margin in order to overturn the 0.53 deficit on NRR and finish as group runners-up.

READ MORE: NCCA Trophy qualification out of Dorset's hands despite Wiltshire win

Lurking just one point behind Dorset, however, were Hertfordshire. They knew a win over Wales would see them overtake Dorset.

Remarkably, though, both results have fallen Dorset’s way.

The first was a comfortable 129-run win for Cheshire, who piled on a stunning 379-7 from their 50 overs.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat at Didsbury, Cheshire made superb progress.

Every single batter in the top eight passed 20, with the top order laying an ominous foundation for the middle order to flick through the gears.

Cheshire opener Robert Sehmi scored fluently in his 71 from 62 balls, carving out nine fours and a six before Archie Fairfax-Ross (3-80) rustled his timbers.

Alex Money (36) and Henry Dobson (30) weighed in with quick contributions and Luke Young (50) became the second batter to notch a half-century as the runs flowed.

Platform set, the omens were good for Cheshire and they went about completely taking the game away from Wiltshire in devastating fashion.

Kevin Carroll proved to be the star, his brutal innings of 89 from just 35 containing eight maximums and eight boundaries for a strike rate of 254.

Harry Dearden (31), Nick Anderson and Andrew Jackson (both 23) added insult to injury as Wiltshire wilted.

Hunting an improbable 380 to win, the visitors frequently lost wickets as Steve Green collected 5-76 and Jackson returned 3-34.

Wiltshire were 99-8 at one stage and are therefore grateful to Will Naish for a magnificent rearguard innings of 123 not out.

Showing his class in difficult circumstances, Naish’s 74-ball knock incorporated 12 boundaries and eight maximums.

However, while he banked a red-inker, his efforts were ultimately in vain as Cheshire bowled Wilts out for 250.

Dorset’s gaze then turned to Hertfordshire, who allowed Wales to make 282-9 despite having them in early trouble at 7-2, Henry Hurle (73) and Steffan Roberts (62) both making important fifties.

Wales were able to contain Hertfordshire’s explosive batting order, Ben Morris (3-34) impressing in the Welshmen’s attack.

Callum Taylor made a defiant 58 but the loss of regular wickets hurt Herts badly.

James Southgate (31) and James Latham (20) got starts but failed to kick on, their demises music to Dorset’s ears.

And Wales were able to mop up the tail to complete their only win of the group, by 76 runs, as Brad Wadlan scooped 3-33.

It means Dorset will take on Berkshire, winners of Group Three, away from home on Sunday (11am).