Shropshire's Omar Ali hits century against Cornwall

Ali and in-form Bridgnorth batsman James Ralph put on 122 for the fifth wicket as the Cats turned the screw eventually closing at 376-9 on the second day of the Championship clash.

It left the Minor Counties title holders with the unlikely prospect of overhauling a massive lead of 434. And Richard Oliver's declaration gave his bowlers enough time to make inroads.

Ali demonstrated his all-round ability by snapping up the wicket of Scot Harvey before Elliot Green's spin removed Chris Roberts as Cornwall trailed at the close by 367 with eight wickets to spare.

Shropshire had their lengthy batting order to thank for their ascendancy at Shrewsbury.

After struggling against the pace of Kelvin Snell and the spin of Pakastani veteran Shakil Ahmed when posting only 218 in their first innings, the runs flowed easily for Oliver's side yesterday.

Steve Leach and Chris Murtagh batted sensibly to lay the foundations, adding 109 runs to the overnight score of 21-1.

Then former Surrey youngster Murtagh was caught behind off the bowling of Ahmed having made 59, including nine boundaries.

Leach went soon after for 58 when he was trapped lbw by Ahmed and Shrewsbury captain Rob Foster disappointed the home crowd when he was caught cheaply off Snell's bowling.

But, in Ali and Ralph, Shropshire had a duo in a rich vein of form. Ali top scored with a half century in the first innings and he cut loose with some impressive strikes, firing eight fours and six sixes.

Ralph had chipped in with a measured 41 in Sunday's effort just 24 hours after he blasted 161 in a Birmingham League outing. And he glided effortlessly to 67 before becoming Ahmed's third victim.

Matthew Robins tried in vain to shake the hosts off course pressing seven different bowlers into action.

Alex Smeeth did manage to catch Jonno Whitney's guard down but, at 297-6, Shropshire looked to be plain sailing. Anthony Parker celebrated the award of his county cap by helping Ali swell the tally by another 44.

And if the home bowlers can remove Cornwall skipper Robins – who had moved doggedly onto 43 at the close – swiftly this morning then Shropshire's fourth straight Western Division success should be in the bag.