WIMBORNE’S run in the Vitality Club Twenty20 Cup came to an end with defeat to a strong Preston Nomads at the regional finals day.

Batting first, Wimborne’s young side got off to a nervy start in the semi-final contest, finding themselves 33-4 before some resistance from Fred Boger (47), Alfie Appleby Ingram (19) and Henry Boger (23).

Ben Bridgen’s side closed on 146-7, but Preston chased down the total inside 15 overs, for the loss of just one wicket.

Preston went on to defeat Banbury in an exciting final at Amersham CC, to move through to the national stage.

In league action, teenage opener Harry Fairchild hit an unbeaten 88 to sweep defending champions Wimborne to a seven-wicket win over Broadstone in the Dorset Premier League.  

The result coincided with leaders Dorchester losing the Poole Town.

Broadstone were dismissed for 135 (Paul Veit 46), a total which Wimborne chased down, with Fairchild hitting a six and 11 fours.

He had previously been in good form for Dorset Under-18s scoring 57 and 101 in the ECB defeat by Cornwall in Penzance.

Richard Armstrong hit 91 not out as Poole Town scored 214-5. Dorchester, who remain just ahead of Wimborne in the table, replied with 162-5.