Report: Michael Knox

Image: Andy Bone - Sports Shots

Bucks Men move closer to securing their place in the quarter-finals of the NCCA NV Play Trophy with a convincing 76-run victory over Dorset at Tring Park on Sunday.

It was Bucks's third victory in three games and leaves them top of the group with one game to play. Victory over Cornwall at Tring next Sunday will guarantee them a home draw in the last eight on June 7th.

Bucks who were put in to bat, opened uniquely with a pair of brothers Billy and Archie Dodds, the latter being promoted up the order following the withdrawal of Sheridon Gumbs. The High Wycombe lads put on 31 in eight overs before Billy, the regular opener departed for 23. Archie, typically in the lower order, went on to reach a notable maiden 50 off 90 balls, sharing a third-wicket stand of 88 with Matt Pardoe.

The fluent Pardoe scored 58 from 62 balls with a six and six fours to set up a useful platform.

Further contributions from George Harvey, Bertie Foreman and Josh Lincoln, whose 39 came off only 22 balls, lifted Bucks to 264-8 from their 50 overs on the hybrid pitch

Tom Weymes struck with the first ball of his spell but a second-wicket stand of 96 between opener Dylan Church and Joseph Eckland put the visitors in a strong position of 96-1 after 20 overs.

But then Bucks spinners, led by skipper Conner Haddow (2-21), took control, with support from Bertie Foreman (3-28) and Pardoe (2-24).

After Church fell for 78, the Dorset innings subsided to 188 all out in 46.5 overs to leave Bucks comfortable winners.

Scorecard

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