DORSET CCC walked away from their 140-run defeat to Hampshire with their "heads held high".
Hampshire scored 336-8 as Dorset were bowled out for 196 at the The Leaze ground in Wimborne.
The 50 over NCAA showcase saw a strong Hampshire side, including Pakistani star Muhammad Abbas leading the bowling attack.
Dorset skipper Luke Webb won the toss and decided to field with Oliver Southon the top performer with the ball - taking four wickets for 51 runs.
The right-arm medium paced bowler got off to a flying start, taking Hampshire skipper Nick Gubbins for just two runs off 11 balls.
Toby Albert was the pick of the Hampshire batting attack with an impressive 132 from 96 along with Fletcha Middleton hitting 82 and 51 from Felix Organ.
Dorset's top order struggled as Abbas and Kyle Abbot used the new ball well as the side fell to 47-5 in the 20th over.
William Tripcony impressed with the bat though and helped the side regather momentum scoring 92 from 87 balls.
A quick 25 from Matt Smith off 17 balls also helped the team get over 170 but Abbas was dominant with the ball claiming 6-31 in what was an impressive display from the Pakistani bowler.
Ollie Southon took 4-51 as Dorset were defeated by 140 runs by Hampshire (Image: Dorset Cricket)
Speaking to the Dorset Echo, Webb said: "We probably walked away with our head held high against a very strong Hampshire side.
"With some of the players they had out it was always going to be tough but we had some really good individual performances and I was pleased with how we equipped ourselves.
"To be fair Kyle Abbott and Muhammad Abbas took the new ball well and it was hard for our top order.
"Will (Tripcony) played exceptionally well and he was positive from ball one.
"He was in the zone and anything that came into his area he just whacked.
He added: "I wasn't too disappointed with how we used the ball it is not easy on a good batting surface but I am pleased.
"Ollie (Southon) did well and so did Matt (Smith) with the new ball and he could have had a couple more wickets."
Dorset's next fixture is a three-day match away to Wales National County in the NCAA Championships this Sunday.
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