Shropshire clash poised as spin takes a hold
Batsmen were left in a spin on an incident-packed second day of Shropshire's clash with Cornwall.
Sixteen wickets fell in total with the majority going to the slow bowlers in the Unicorns Minor Counties Championship Western Division clash.
The battle between two teams who have won both their opening matches was finely balanced heading into today's final day, with the hosts chasing a total of 246 for victory.
Day two got off to a bad start for Steve Leach's side, when they lost David Wainwright in the second over of the morning.
The former Yorkshire and Derbyshire man had added one to his overnight score of 45 when he became Andrew Libby's second victim.
Former skipper James Ralph joined Ross Aucott at the crease and their partnership of 51 looked to be putting Shropshire on top.
Ralph had made 20 when he was bowled by Jordan Thomas but, at 217-6, the hosts were just 28 behind Cornwall's first innings total of 245.
But Libby struck twice in the same over to remove Henry Blofield and Luke Tinsley – both without scoring – to haul his side back into it.
Aucott, who had resumed on his overnight 13 not out, had passed 50 but was running out of partners when Alex Wyatt departed to a caught and bowled from spinner Libby.
Sam Griffiths hung around long enough for Shropshire to move ahead but when he was caught behind Shropshire were all out for 253 with a lead of eight.
Cornwall looked comfortable at the start of the second innings, as a good batting track at Bridgnorth offered little for the seamers.
It needed a brilliant piece of improvisation from Wainwright to bring an opening partnership of 38 to an end.
Wainwright deflected a throw on to the stumps at the bowler's end to run out Matthew Robins for 19.
The visitors looked as if they would be opening up a big lead when they moved on to 62-1, but a flurry of wickets swung the game back Shropshire's way.
Wainwright had Tom Rowe trapped lbw for 33 and Blofield had Brad Wadlan caught by Omar Ali immediately after lunch.
Greg Smith did much of the damage first time around with 92, so there was great delight among the home team when he departed leg before wicket to Wainwright for four.
After the dismissals of Christian Purchase and Scott Harvey, Cornwall were struggling at 139-6.
But opener Matt Rowe, coming in at No 7 after spending time off the field injured while fielding, led a fightback.
He finished unbeaten on 68, as Shropshire turned back to their pace bowlers to wrap up the innings.
Alex Wyatt and Sam Griffiths both struck in their opening overs back in the attack and grabbed another wicket apiece, after taking the second new ball.
Wyatt's dismissal of Jordan Thomas ended play with the visitors all out for 253.
