Shropshire batsman James Ralph has spent the season knocking on the century door – and it has finally opened.

After making 97 against Herefordshire and 99 against Oxfordshire in the last two Minor Counties Championship matches, Ralph finally converted a classy display into three figures at St Austell against Cornwall yesterday.

The former captain came to the crease with Shropshire on 24-2 and reeling after losing captain Ed Foster and professional Chris Murtagh to successive deliveries from left arm seamer Alex Smeeth.

Having just a four-run first innings lead, the visitors were clearly precariously placed.

But Ralph’s unbeaten 124 – off 184 balls and including 12 fours and three sixes – put Shropshire firmly back into contention as they closed the second day on 210-5 in their second innings.

Foster was caught at second slip by Cornwall captain Tom Sharp before an out-of-sorts Murtagh saw his struggles continue as he was trapped leg before first ball off Smeeth.

Jono Whitney helped settle Shropshire nerves with 34 but it was Ralph’s efforts which put Shropshire back in contention.

“Ralphy played really well,” said Foster. “It was a fantastic innings and it was nice to see him get the type of score his talent deserves.”

Shropshire had earlier been forced to be patient with the ball before finally dismissing Cornwall for 351.

Resuming on 109-2, Matt Robins and Tom Rowe continued on their merry way as they added 157 for the third wicket.

Robins was eventually caught by Ralph hooking Whitney for 118 while Rowe followed five overs later when he was trapped leg before by Gray for 77.

Shropshire’s sole recognised spinner Gray was to end with four wickets, trapping Cornwall captain Tom Sharp leg before for 60.

That was one of three wickets to fall on 312 with Mark Downes earning a three scalp reward for an impressive 25 over spell.

Smeeth and Ben Kitt put on 33 for the last Cornwall wicket but Foster was pleased with his bowlers.