DORSET manager Sean Walbridge labelled Nick Park’s century against Devon at Torquay today as “awesome”.

The Bournemouth batsman hammered 118 as Dorset won the toss and elected to bat on the first day of their Minor Counties Championship clash.

Park joined forces with Bashley’s Nick Baker to put on 123 for the fourth wicket, with Chris Jones notching 46.

Left arm spinners Gary Chappell (4-65) and Chris Metters (4-67) did the damage as Dorset agonisingly fell five runs short of maximum batting points.

Somerset dual-registration pace bowler Steffan Jones bagged a wicket as Dorset made early inroads into Devon’s reply.

But James Burke (35 not out) and Dan Bowser (29 not out) put on 66 for their second wicket as Devon closed on 75 for one.

Walbridge, whose side are top of the Western Division, said: “Nick Park was awesome.

“I was really pleased with him. It was a really mature knock and I was also pleased for Nick Baker, who got a half century in only his second Minor Counties Championship appearance.”

Details: Dorset 320ao in 89.3 overs (N Park 118, N Baker 56, C Jones 46, G Chappell 4-65, C Metters 4-67), Devon 75-1 in 26 overs. Points: Devon 4 Dorset 3.