Dorset County

Following Tom Leach's recent County Championship win it was time for the next generation of Tom's to come good at Sherborne on Sunday. New recruits to the squad Tom Robson and Tom Parsons did not let a narrow foursomes loss at the top of the order deter them. Playing at no. 2 and 3 in the singles they achieved comprehensive victories, Parsons winning 3/2 and Robson winning 6/5. Their obvious potential gives the county assurance that the development focus on this age group can work in bringing new blood into the 1st team. Both players join a healthy list of youngsters experiencing tough competitive matchplay, particularily against the likes of Hampshire. The windy conditions up at Sherborne meant "par was good" at any hole! Concentration was at a premium and Hampshire led Dorset 3-1 after the morning foursomes showing that their superior ball striking come to the fore. As ever, Dorsets spirit in the singles helped them to a strong position at the halfway stage of the afternoon. The ability to finish tight matches successfully is an art in itself and this is another good lesson we will try to learn for future matches. Hampshire winning 2 matches on the final hole robbed Dorset of a 4-4 singles result. Our perspective is good going into the match v Kent at Broadstone, we know we need to be more prepared and continue to minimise mistakes to take the pressure of ourselves and put it onto the opposition. The Dorset Colts squad is full of great individual potential one of our objectives is to gel that potential together with the team spirit.