TEAM manager Sean Walbridge said Dorset could have “no complaints” following their exit from the MCCA Trophy.

Dorset ended a disappointing campaign with an eight-wicket defeat by Hertfordshire in a rain-affected contest at Dorchester on Sunday.

After losing a crucial toss, Dorset had reached 161 for seven before the rain came. And following a lengthy delay, Hertfordshire were set a revised target of 128 from 22 overs, a score they reached with 14 balls to spare.

Defeat saw Dorset finish bottom of their group, the county failing to qualify for the quarter-finals after mustering a solitary victory from their four matches.

Walbridge said: “We were on the wrong end of the toss. With the weather conditions as they were, it was always going to favour the team batting second if it rained.

“They got off to a really good start and, once the ball had got wet, our guys said it was like trying to bowl with a bar of soap.

“Unfortunately, we went out but I don’t think we can have too many complaints. If we look at our performances over the four games, we didn’t do enough to progress and that is something we will have to look at for next season.

“In most disciplines, our bowling and fielding have been good. We probably just didn’t put enough runs on the board.

“Only two people got past 50 in the four games. That tells its own story.

“We have got to make sure we bat in partnerships and put bigger totals on the board for the three-day games.

“In terms of individual performances, Nick Park stood out and was our most consistent batsman. He has become our Mr Reliable over the past two or three seasons and has gone from strength to strength. He had a very solid campaign with the bat.”

Dorset open the defence of their Minor Counties Championship crown when they host Devon at Dean Park on Sunday.