Shropshire’s cricketers broke the Bridgnorth stalemate to wrestle control of their Minor Counties Championship clash with Dorset.

The rarest of scenarios – both sides recording the same first innings score – left honours very much even midway through the second day at Cricket Meadow.

But the home side made the most of near-perfect batting conditions to seize the initiative as Dorset wilted in the heat of yesterday’s final session.

The hosts’ position of strength – their second innings had reached 244-3 by the close – owed much to a ton-derful day for the side’s two professionals.

Off-spinner Andy Gray was first to celebrate, completing a five-wicket haul which took him past the 100 Championship wicket mark for Shropshire in only his 19th three-day game.

And the stylish Chris Murtagh then produced a batting masterclass to make his second century in as many Minor Counties outings for Shropshire.

Lapses

Able support came from Oswestry opener Alex Huxley, with the pair putting on 169 for the second wicket.

Both Huxley and Murtagh fell to uncharacteristically loose shots in the last hour, suffering lapses in concentration as the heat told.

Caught at mid-off for 91, Huxley would have been disappointed not to have been celebrating his maiden Shropshire century.

But he again produced an innings which suggests he has the maturity to become Foster’s regular opening partner in three-day cricket.

“Alex played really well and deserved his hundred,” said Foster.

“But the important thing is that the top order are getting big runs which makes a huge difference.

“Chris is doing exactly what we wanted him to do at No 3 and the younger lads in the batting line-up are watching and learning from him which is brilliant.”

Earlier in the day, Dorset had battled their way up to match Shropshire’s first innings score of 327, all out – like the hosts – in the final over of their allotted 90.

Gray added three wickets to his overnight tally of two, while Dan Bowen overcame the disappointment of dropping Glyn Treagus on five – who went on to make 79 – by picking up a brace of scalps.

Dorset rallied from 141-5 but three late wickets ensured Shropshire maximum bowling bonus points.

By JAMES GARRISON at Cricket Meadow