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.

In a superb team performance against Dorset 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. Teenage debutant Ciaran Baker-Smith took 3-32 and skipper Pardoe
(1-12) ensured that they were unable to make more than 156.

In reply, Pardoe and opening partner Cornall 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.

Herefordshire finished on 460-8 from 90 overs, their third
highest ever.

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