Shropshire have been backed to show their mettle by winning their keenly-contested Minor Counties clash with Oxfordshire at Whitchurch day.

The visitors were in the box seat this morning, having ended the second day’s play at 325-8 in their second innings – a lead of 323 over Shropshire.

But chairman of selectors Trevor Sheperd was backing his side to get the last two wickets they need quickly this morning – and then chase down their sizeable target on what is a decent track at Heath Road.

“I really believe we can win,” said Sheperd. “It all depends on how many we bowl them out for or how many they leave us.

“But it’s a flat wicket and, if we bat to our potential, then we certainly know we have what it takes.”

Honours had been even after a first day which had seen all 20 first innings wickets fall – Oxfordshire out for 180 and Shropshire for 182.

But it was a different tale yesterday as Oxfordshire dug in to open up a lead.

Shrewsbury seamer Jack Shantry took four wickets in his long spells totalling 35 overs, taking him to nine for the match.

And spinner Andy Gray contributed with two, as well as having numerous appeals for leg before rejected.

“It was slow going,” added Sheperd. “We bowled good lines but missed a few chances unfortunately, but we did have to work hard on a flat track.

“Our bowlers put a lot of effort in. Jack gives 100 per cent every over and tries so hard.

“Andy Gray just loves to get through a lot of work and needs to keep busy. He bowled very well, and I felt he just didn’t get a lot of luck.”

l Day two report – P39