A BATTLING century from big-hitting Darren Cowley helped Dorset secure a draw against Devon at Dean Park.

After day one had been washed out by rain, the visitors took the game to the Minor Counties champions on their own turf by racking up 333 for eight declared on day two.

And having ended the second day on 45 for one, the hosts needed one of their key men to stand up and be counted.

Cue Cowley’s 108 not out, which came from 179 balls and included 17 fours.

With Nick Park having departed for 46 before stumps on day two, Cowley’s knock was vital as wickets continued to fall around him.

Chris Park (1), Tom Hicks (6), Matt Metcalfe (19) and Ed Denham (5) all departed cheaply, while Glyn Treagus could only muster 12 as Dorset finished on 265 for nine in 90 overs.

That left them 68 behind.

Devon, meanwhile, came out all guns blazing for their second innings, with Matt Thompson (52) and David Lye (54) both making an impression.

Captain Hicks (1-22) added to his first innings figures with the ball by removing Lye, while Thompson was bowled by Masoor Khan (1-2).

Metcalfe (1-4) was Dorset’s other wicket-taker, having James Burke caught behind by Chris Park for two.

The visitors eventually finished on 118 for three and picked up eight points.

Reigning champions Dorset collected five points and will now shift their attentions to a trip to Wiltshire on June 26.