Dorset deserve title

A determined Dorset fought back bravely to win the Minor Counties final against Cumberland at Bournemouth. Despite conceding a lead of 40 on first innings they bowled out Cumberland cheaply second time around (152) and knocked off the target for the lose of 5 wickets.

Central to their effort was the performance of Darren Cowley. He added an aggressive 63 to go with his first innings 75, and in partnership with the more leisurely Neil Thurgood added 80 for the third wicket. Cowley, son of umpire and ex Hampshire man Nigel, was awarded the man of the match award for his performance.

Captain Stuart Rintoul was delighted. "It's a wonderful feeling. We've played some great cricket this season and I think we deserve to lift the title. The team is still young too, so the future looks very rosy."

It was the West countrymen's first championship winning performance since they entered the competition in 1902, and made up for last year when the same opposition beat them at Netherfield.