A farewell century from opener David Pearson helped Cumberland gain the
ascendancy on day one of the three-day Minor Counties final against Dorset at
Bournemouth Sports.
Pearson, with just 240 runs in eight championship matches this season, came
good with 108 not out as Cumberland reached 282 for five off their first
innings allocation of 70 overs.
The 37-year-old left-hander, who is retiring after the game, dropped anchor to share in partnerships of 113 with Steve Knox, and 101 in 15 overs with Martin Lewis after Cumberland had lost the toss and been given first use of a lifeless
wicket. He was twice missed behind the wicket, but took full advantage to bat
for 191 balls, 15 of which were despatched to the boundary.
Lewis, tipped to be Cumberland's captain in place of Simon Dutton next
season, hit 60 off just 49 balls, though one of his four sixes was carried
over the boundary as Steve Forshaw took a one-handed catch at long-off.
Dorset, who bowled Vyvian Pike unchanged for 32 overs, closed the day on 85
for two off 28 overs. Glyn Treagus was unluckily bowled off pad and glove by
David Pennett, and Neil Thurgood perished to an unconvincing push to silly
mid-off.