WILL Caldwell climbed to the top of the county youth batting averages with a stylish 92 in a closely fought encounter against Gloucestershire.

The under-15s opener, who has now scored an impressive 392 runs this campaign at an average of 65, was the main contributor in his team’s efforts to chase down Gloucestershire’s total of 191.

With wickets falling around him, Caldwell remained defiant and, together with a spirited tail-end fightback from Jack Owens (22), Rob Pack (10) and Ross Tooley (15*), he set up a close finish.

But when Caldwell was the ninth wicket to fall with the score on 162, Gloucestershire went on to secure victory by 25 runs.

  •  An excellent undefeated 87 from Jacob Gordon was not enough to prevent Dorset under-11s from suffering a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of Devon at Canford School.

Gordon was at the crease for almost 36 overs and was ably supported by Matt Longley, who was going well until he was run out on 26, and Harrison Neary (17). Dorset finished their innings on 177 for eight.

In reply, Devon batted strongly and with two of their batsmen hitting half-centuries, they reached their target with the loss of only one wicket.

  •  Harry Nash’s two run-outs were the highlight of Dorset under-13s’ fielding display against an in-form Hampshire side at Fawley.

The hosts amassed 204 for six with Tom Barber, Jack Taylor and Matt Dare each claiming a wicket. Dorset could only struggle to 94 all out.

  •  Dorset under-10s lost to Gloucestershire by 51 runs despite admirable performances from bowlers Archie Gardiner (2-13) and Charlie Hartwell (2-27) and batsmen Tom Prest (37) and Theo Dowler (34).

Gloucestershire made a total of 165 for seven before dismissing the Dorset boys for 114.