Thrilling title decider when Shropshire come to Eastnor for an end-of-season showdown on Sunday.

16 Aug 2024   |   By Richard Prime

HEREFORDSHIRE’S comprehensive 10-wicket NCCA Western Division 2 success against Dorset at Wimbourne has set up a thrilling title decider when Shropshire come to Eastnor for an end-of-season showdown on Sunday.

Shropshire’s win against Wales at the weekend leaves them nine-points clear of Herefordshire at the top of the table.

But a win for Herefordshire in the Eastnor showdown would see them overhaul their rivals to clinch the single promotion spot.

There remains the prospect, however unlikely, that Wales could still sneak through by beating Wiltshire if the Herefordshire/Shropshire clash ends in a draw.

In a superb team performance in which individual starring roles came from centurions Matt Pardoe and Taylor Cornall, eight-wicket James Rudge and six-catch keeper Luke Powell, Herefordshire were dominant from the first hour at WImbourne as they notched up their biggest win in eight seasons – and only missed out by three runs on a first innings victory since 2002.

After losing the toss and being invited to field on a hot dry day, Herefordshire had good grounds for fearing the worst.

But Rudge (4-32) and Roshan Venkataraman (2-29) swiftly reduced the hosts to 17-4.

And although the lower order retrieved the situation slightly, impressive teenage debutant Ciaran Baker-Smith (3-32) and skipper Pardoe

(1-12) ensured that they were unable to make more than 156.

In reply, Pardoe and opening partner Cornall dominated the bowling as they cruised to a double-century opening stand.

The pair had reached 227 before Cornall was caught behind for 101 and, although the unfortunate Henry Cullen was quickly dismissed, there were little respite for the home side.

Olly Cox (76) came in to add a further 144 for the third wicket with Pardoe who was finally out for 184, his highest National Counties score and the third highest innings ever for Herefordshire.

Nick Hammond (28), Ollie Walker (23), Powell (14) and Luke Tulacz (14 not out) raised the score to 460-8 from 90 overs, Herefordshire’s third highest ever.

When Rudge took a wicket with his first ball in the Dorset second innings, a rapid end seemed in sight.

But Dorset dug in on an excellent batting wicket and Herefordshire had to persevere in the baking heat.

Pardoe (4-52), Rudge (4-90), Venkataraman (1-42) and Cornall (1-72) eventually did the damage as Dorset edged past Herefordshire’s total, leaving the visitors four to win.

Rudge, promoted to open the batting, kept no-one hanging around as he launched the first and only ball way over square leg for six to conclude the impressive display.

Play at Eastnor on Sunday begins at 11am.

  CAPTION: James Rudge bowling at Wimborne

CAPTION: Matt Pardoe hits a boundary during his 184.

CAPTION: Pardoe acknowledges the applause after being dismissed.