WILTSHIRE were beaten by Dorset at Dean Park, Bournemouth after failing to set their oppents a challenging target.

Wiltshire openers started well with Keith Redding ( 21) and Geoffrey Edwards (22) putting on 38 for the first wicket in ten overs.

Despite this it was only Ron Smith (45) helped to consolidate at one end but wickets tumbled at the other as the Dorset bowlers took control.

Wiltshire stumbled to 141 for 9 wickets at the end of 45 overs with the only other innings of note being John Gale with 20 not out.

This total was never going to sufficient although in reply Dorset were contained in by some accurate bowling from the seasoned pair of Des Jeffrey and Jim Ridge.

Support came from Peter Mathias and Peter Hagelthorn but Dorset comfortably reached the desired score for victory after 41 overs to win by 6 wickets.