Bucks suffered their second defeat in the National Counties Trophy when they lost by 95 runs to Dorset in their 50-over contest at Gerrards Cross on Sunday.
After inserting their opponents, Bucks made an excellent start reducing Dorset to 69-4 in 20 overs, with seamer Ed Bragg taking three wickets.
However, a sparkling fifth-wicket stand of 179 in 28 overs between Sam Young and Alex Eckland turned the match on its head. Eckland scored 80 from 84 balls with fours sixes and three fours, while Young finished with 132 not out from 118 balls with seven sixes and eight fours.
The flurry of sixes and fours led to 111 runs coming from the last ten overs as Dorset reached a formidable 275-7. Bragg finished with 4-42, while spinner Conner Haddow returned 1-37 from his ten overs.
Bucks were never really in the hunt after slipping to 34-4. A stand of 69 between AJ Woodland and Chris Marrow (32) gave them some hope. Woodland fought well for a gutsy 74 from 126 balls with eight fours before he was ninth out. Skipper Tom Hampton struck 30 off 16 balls in a late flurry before Bucks were all out for 175 in 41-3 overs. Seamer Toby Pattemore finished with 5-52 for the victors.
Bucks must win both their remaining games to have any chance of qualifying for the later stages on the competition.
Their next match is against Staffordshire at Moddershall and Oulton on Sunday June 18.

Scorecard