County press for early win

Shropshire were today eyeing up a winning start to their Minor Counties Championship campaign against Herefordshire at Shifnal.

Resuming on 208-8 in their first innings, Shropshire were eventually dismissed for 231 - securing a second batting bonus point and opening up a lead of 98 in the process.

Martyn Davies was the first to be dismissed when he was caught by Henry Langford at backward gully off the bowling of Simon Roberts for 12.

And Roberts claimed his second wicket of the morning and third of the innings when Steve Taylor fell in similar fashion, although this time caught by Richard Hall for six.

Herefordshire, dismissed for 134 in their first innings, began their second effort in positive fashion but soon lost their first wicket when Ashley Nahorniak edged Taylor into the gloves of wicket-keeper Anthony Parker for seven.

The Cidermen had reached 28-1 shortly before lunch with Dan Bassett and Langford at the crease.