Shropshire aim to end on a high
Shropshire will aim to end their Unicorns Championship season on a high despite seeing their hopes of winning the title all-but ended.
Rivals Berkshire have closed in on the Western Division title after picking up eight bonus points of the 10 they needed against strugglers Dorset.
The champions-elect claimed four bowling points on day one after dismissing Dorset and added maximum batting points with their effort of 338 yesterday, meaning a draw from today’s final day of action will see them crowned champions.
Second-placed Shropshire, who have won four of their five Championships matches this season, began day two of their final clash with Devon at Bridgnorth on 86-2 in reply to the visitors’ total of 358.
The hosts were frustrated by stop-start rain but nonetheless plundered their way to 404 all-out thanks to former Worcestershire man Alexei Kervezee’s fine 140, which included 16 fours.
Skipper Steve Leach (61), of Shifnal, and Oswestry’s Warrick Fynn (54) both showed fine touch at Cricket Meadow while Sam Whitney hit 36 to add to Joe Carrasco’s day one effort of 43.
Devon began their second innings reply late last night and finished on 56-1 after Alex Wyatt trapped opener Josh Mailling for 15.
Berkshire posted 338 in response to Dorset’s 186 all out. Dorset closed day two on 173-5.
