DORSET qualified for the NCCA Trophy quarter-finals after sinking Wales by 18 runs at Panteg.

Luke Webb’s men have now taken two wins from three, including the rained-off clash with Staffordshire.

With the top two going through, they are assured of finishing second at worst in Group Four as Staffs, Buckinghamshire and Wales are too far behind on points.

The battle for top spot goes down to their final group game at Dorchester Rec against leaders Wiltshire on Sunday, June 25 (11am).

To earn their latest two points, Dorset had to recover from 4-2 after England Under-19 seamer Jack Harding removed openers Will Tripcony and Webb for ducks.

All-rounder David Scott and Joe Eckland (29) set about the rebuild, Scott continuing after the latter was removed by Tegid Phillips (1-47).

Alex Eckland also scored 29 before Sam Pearce (1-50) rustled his timbers and Simon Woodruff (38) crunched seven boundaries before he became Harding’s third victim.

However, Scott reached a fabulous century with a four of his own and went on to score 119 off 130 balls, Richard Edwards (2-51) ending his wonderful innings.

Dorset went on to set a victory target of 241 and regularly took wickets before drinks, beginning with Connor Smith (4-35) in the second over.

Harry Friend (32) and Steffan Roberts (21) steadied the ship but Ollie Breckon (2-30) came into the attack to take a quickfire brace, including Roberts.

Wales could not keep Scott (4-44) out of the game as he then dismissed Friend and Cameron Herring (1) in consecutive overs, the hosts falling to 88-5 after 18 overs.

Wales did fight back superbly with a 102-run stand between Brad Wadlan and Pearce, more than doubling their score in the next 18 overs.

Smith swung the pendulum again when he pinned Pearce (30) lbw and bowled Phillips (0) in the same over to leave Dorset needing three wickets and Wales 51 runs.

Smith then struck again before that man Scott halted a magnificent knock from Wadlan on 95, the batter having smashed 12 boundaries and two sixes from 85 balls.

Harding’s spirited 11 not out pulled Wales to 222 but Scott had Edwards (4) caught by Alex Eckland to end Wales’ chances, leaving the hosts winless with a final match against Buckinghamshire to go.

Meanwhile, Dorset know only a victory will do against Wiltshire if they are to top the group.