COACH Alan Willows saw Dorset live to fight another day in the MCCA Trophy and then praised his troops for progressing from what he described as the “group of death”.

Dorset booked a place in the quarter-finals by the skin of their teeth despite suffering a six-wicket defeat in their final group game against Wales in Swansea on Sunday.

They qualified as runners-up by virtue of a superior run rate and will now meet Cheshire on Sunday, June 17 for a place in the semi-finals.

All five teams in Dorset’s group finished with four points, with Staffordshire topping the pile. Holders Berkshire, beaten by Dorset earlier this month, were eliminated.

Willows told the Daily Echo: “You never know what Wales are going to bring because a lot can depend on whether Glamorgan are playing. They had a strong side out against us and, unfortunately, we came up short.

“They had three First-Class bowlers who bowled very well. We tried hard to get a score but were bowled out for 115, which was really disappointing. We played some poor cricket on a not-too-easy wicket against a good bowling attack.

“We looked at the run rates and knew we needed to make sure Wales didn’t score 115 before the 36th over.

“We bowled and fielded exceptionally well to make sure they didn’t.

“To have got through the group is an amazing achievement and, to have got through from the position we were in after the first innings, was an incredible effort by the team.

“It was the group of death with so many good sides in it. The strength of the group was proved by the fact Berkshire didn’t qualify and they are the holders.

“I was really delighted we qualified because it was a difficult group. But there was no excuse for the way we batted. We had to bat time on the wicket and we couldn’t.”

Willows added: “We will go to Cheshire as slight underdogs. But we are a good side and you don’t beat the holders if you aren’t a good side. We came up short against Wales and have got to make sure we turn it round for the game against Cheshire.”

• Oli Moseley is in line to make his debut for Bournemouth when they host in-form Southern Premier League Division One rivals St Cross at Chapel Gate tomorrow (1pm).

The Bournemouth University student will be hoping to help the Lions claim their first win of the season, with St Cross having won both of their first two fixtures.

Bournemouth: Barlow, N Park, J Park, Hurley, Butler, Evans, Metcalfe, Lawrence, Moseley, Quinn, Staniford.

• Bashley are unchanged for the visit to Alton, while Lymington host Hampshire Academy and New Milton entertain Sarisbury Athletic at Fernhill.

Bashley: Morris, Thurgood, Ridley, Webb, Baker, Friedman, Neal, Grierson, Nash, Lilley, Terry.