Dorset have everything to play for – possibly even a trophy – when they face Hampshire in what is essentially a ‘must win’ affair for them in the ECB 50-plus County Championships at The Lease, Wimborne & Colehill on Thursday, 1300.
Hampshire, with five wins, are already certain of qualifying for the national rounds, but as Dorset skipper Joe Wilson explains it’s a totally different scenario for his side.
“Hants have already qualified but if results go our way and we win on Thursday we can automatically qualify in 2nd or 3rd place. We can also win and finish 4th and still qualify as best runner up in all 5 Groups. But all is lost if we lose,” he pointed out.
Dorset are handicapped by the absence of the injured Mike Stonier.
The winners hope to be presented with the long standing Hants & Dorset Trophy – that’s if anyone can find the shield !
“We won it in 2021, but Hampshire held it for a while before that, so let’s hope they can find it !” Wilson laughed.
Dorset: Joe Wilson, Jim Ryall, Alex Allum, Mike Collinge, Gary French, Steve Gerety, Mike Harper, David Humphreys, Martin Miller, Ian Paulley, Krish Subramanian.
Hampshire: Paul Burrows, Darren McBride, Andy Parratt, Stu Shapland, Darren Vann, Keith Harsham, Brendon Fourie, Jamie Donaldson, Nick Gargaro, Neil Taylor, Alan Hurst.
Hampshire, with five wins, are already certain of qualifying for the national rounds, but as Dorset skipper Joe Wilson explains it’s a totally different scenario for his side.
“Hants have already qualified but if results go our way and we win on Thursday we can automatically qualify in 2nd or 3rd place. We can also win and finish 4th and still qualify as best runner up in all 5 Groups. But all is lost if we lose,” he pointed out.
Dorset are handicapped by the absence of the injured Mike Stonier.
The winners hope to be presented with the long standing Hants & Dorset Trophy – that’s if anyone can find the shield !
“We won it in 2021, but Hampshire held it for a while before that, so let’s hope they can find it !” Wilson laughed.
Dorset: Joe Wilson, Jim Ryall, Alex Allum, Mike Collinge, Gary French, Steve Gerety, Mike Harper, David Humphreys, Martin Miller, Ian Paulley, Krish Subramanian.
Hampshire: Paul Burrows, Darren McBride, Andy Parratt, Stu Shapland, Darren Vann, Keith Harsham, Brendon Fourie, Jamie Donaldson, Nick Gargaro, Neil Taylor, Alan Hurst.
