THERE were "plenty of positives" to take from Dorset's four wicket defeat to Wales in the NCCA Championship, says coach Paul Lawrence.

Dorset may have lost their third game of the championship, but an impressive 123 first innings hit from 17-year-old Finn Gordon was one positive the team can take from the game.

Despite the defeat in Wales, Lawrence believes the future of Dorset cricket is "really exciting" based on the young squad he has at his disposal. 

Speaking to the Dorset Echo, he said: "There's lots of positives to take from the game.

"We are always talking about being a young side and Finn Gordon hitting a maiden Dorset NCCA century was really good.

"He has only just turned 17 and there is clearly so much talent there, but at the same time some inexperience.

"If we are going to be picky, then in a year's time, he is actually going to go on and get a double century from that position and put us in an even better position."

He added: "The other positive to take from it is we batted pretty much 90 overs in both innings.

"This is something we tasked ourselves doing at the start of the three-day competition last year. 

"It was a close game in tough conditions, with a young side that are basically learning on the job, and that is tough as well.

"Another year or two of experience from some of them and we have some really exciting times ahead with Dorset cricket."

Dorset CCC next play in the NCCA three-day Championship against Herefordshire at The Leaze in Wimborne on Sunday, August 11.