DORSET suffered a batting collapse on the opening day of their MCCA Championship campaign as Shropshire gained the upper hand at Whitchurch.

The visitors, batting first, lost their last five wickets for just 43 runs as they were bowled out for 185 with Alex Wyatt (6-69) causing the damage.

Debutant Tom Arnold impressed, top scoring with 62.

In reply, Shropshire were able to pull in front by 30 runs, despite losing five wickets.

Shropshire captain James Ralph ended the day unbeaten on 54 as his team closed on 215-5 at stumps.

After winning the toss, Dorset started brightly despite losing Masoor Khan cheaply in the opening exchanges.

Debutant Arnold batted solidly, scoring at a good rate as he, along with Mike Porter (50), built a solid foundation.

However, Wyatt had other ideas as he ripped through the middle order to leave the visitors reeling.

The bowler was also helped by David Wainwright, who took three wickets.

Between them, the pair bowled more than 43 overs of the 59-over innings.

Dorset needed quick wickets to keep themselves in the contest and James Hayman struck with just the third ball of the innings, getting Richard Oliver to nick one behind to wicketkeeper Chris Park.

Mark Wolstenhome, Jake Lilley and Sam Thomson all picked up wickets, but the hosts lead by 30 runs with five wickets in hand heading into day two.