Dorset’s brave fight

8:09am Wednesday 11th June 2008

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DORSET won four battles yet lost the war in their finest Lubramine Middleton Cup performance for some time at Exonia.

Although their 2008 opener ended in defeat they gave Devon a mighty fright before succumbing 119-114 (14-8).

Brian Shepherd's men even took the lead on the 17th end but despite winning four of the six rinks they could not sustain it against one of the country's premier teams.

Considering Dorset crashed 133-88 (18-4) in the corresponding fixture last year at Broadstone this was a marked improvement and augurs well for this Saturday's match away to Somerset.

Dorset even had the opportunity of snatching a tie on aggregate through Dave Ralph - the last skip to finish - who would have gained a six had he removed a Devon wood but he could only manage a single.

Satisfied boss Shepherd said: "I was ever so pleased with the overall display which bodes well for the season. The new bowlers did really well - full credit especially to Mike Chislett for coming back to win with a four on the last end after dropping a five on the first."

Dorset trailed 28-18 at five ends and the margin had grown to 64-46 by the tenth but the visitors battled admirably and were snapping at Devon's tail when just 83-82 behind before setting up that exciting finale.

Ralph marked his return to Middleton Cup action with a 19-15 success against England choice Lee Haywood while Chislett's last-end decider plus Barry Patterson's 23-20 card made it a hat-trick for Greenhill skips. However, top honours went to Peter Willats though the Alexandra Park skip will not be available this weekend.

Scores: Jamie Lockwood (Dorchester), Derek Ames (Alexandra Park), Doug Rumble, Barry Patterson (both Greenhill) 23 James Webber 20; Mick Durant (Greenhill), Pat Ravelin, Alan Miller, Peter Willats (all Alexandra Park) 21 Kevin Phillips 15; Chris Lawrence (Wimborne), Nick Voss, Martin Pavey, Wayne Garnett (all Dorchester) 10 Sam Tolchard 22; Paul Pomeroy (Lyme Regis), Alec McKenzie (Poole Park), Phil Lawrence (Wimborne), Steve Chalker (Alexandra Park) 20 Neil Pook 27; Ben Paulley (Greenhill), Tony Sargent (Wellworthy), Craig Shepherd (Wimborne), Dave Ralph (Greenhill) 19 Lee Haywood 15; Kevin Walbridge (Greenhill), Chris Weekes (Wimborne), Kevin Hodder, Mike Chislett (both Greenhill) 21 Phil Downs 20.

* Other group results: Wiltshire 115 (12) Somerset 115 (10). May 31: Somerset 97 (3) Devon 120 (19), Cornwall 125 (18) Wiltshire 108 (4).

Positions: Devon (played 2) 33, Cornwall (1) 18, Wiltshire (2) 16, Somerset (2) 13, Dorset (1) 8.