DORSET were knocked out of the NCCA Trophy at the quarter-final stage after a six-wicket defeat in Slough by old foes Berkshire.

Luke Webb’s men were simply overpowered after being bowled out for just 208, Berkshire storming to victory with a full 18 overs remaining.

The hosts showed why they came into the competition as favourites, having won multiple pieces of silverware in the past few seasons.

Their star-studded line-up included England NCCA captain Dan Lincoln, plus a catalogue of other players who have been permanent fixtures in this successful era.

Webb attempted to take the game by the scruff of the neck, winning the toss and choosing to bat first.

Dorset’s skipper, who has been well amongst the runs in recent weeks, got his county off to a good start as the visitors scored at a run per ball.

However, Webb (24) was first to go, caught by Matt Dalrymple off the bowling of Tommy Sturgess (4-52).

Three overs later, David Scott was bowled by Andy Rishton for an 11-ball duck and Berkshire further ate into the Dorset order as Euan Woods (2-37) and Sulaiman Akhtar (3-28) removed Eckland brothers Joseph (13) and Alex (9) plus Finn Gordon (7) cheaply.

All the while, opener Jacob Gordon was running out of partners but he did pass fifty and then combined with Will Tripcony (24) for a resilient 47-run stand.

However, after building to 163-5, Dorset were dismissed for 208 as Sturgess removed Jacob Gordon for a fine 82 from 109 balls, including five boundaries and a six.

Dorset needed a quick start with the ball but instead Berkshire got off to a flier with the bat, rumbling along at seven per over.

Johnny Connell was responsible for most of the onslaught, bagging 60 runs from 45 balls before he was dismissed in the 13th over by Scott (1-21).

Berkshire were 92-1 and showed no intention of slowing down, even after Finn Gordon (1-38) held a return catch off Woods (11).

In the next six overs they scored 49 runs, Rhys Lewis (57) lifting his bat before seamer Matt Burton returned to have him caught by Simon Woodruff.

Burton also sent Rhodri Lewis, who piled on 40 from 26 balls, packing as Berkshire reached 176-4 after 25 overs.

The top order had broken the back of the chase, though, and Charlie Dunnett (21no) was joined by Lincoln (14no) to steer the hosts home.

They join Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Cheshire in the semi-finals.

On Sunday, Dorset begin the red-ball campaign, travelling to Shropshire for their NCCA Championship Western Division Two contest (11am).