HALF centuries from Masoor Khan, Chris Park and Sam Thomson kept Dorset in pole position against Herefordshire on day two of their MCCA Championship clash.

The hosts scored 307-7 from their 90 overs, giving them a lead of 48 before the visitors lost five late wickets for 21 runs to finish on 184-9, a lead of 136.

Resuming on 133-1, Dorset had a mini collapse as they fell to 171-6, but their innings was salvaged by Park and Thomson who batted them into a lead with a partnership of 126.

Park fell for 50 off the bowling of Matt Pardoe (1-9) as Dorset ended their innings on 307-7 from their 90 overs. Thomson finished unbeaten with 63.

With a lead of 48, and with the game nicely poised, early wickets were key for the hosts to drive home their advantage.

Tom Barber duly delivered, having Liam Gwynne caught behind by Park with the score on four.

After the early breakthrough, the visitors rebuilt as Pardoe and Ed Pollock dug in with a 62-run partnership.

This was broken by Brad Currie who had Pardoe caught by Rob Pack for 36.

Pollock batted well for 67 as the visitor’s middle order got in and got out to Thomson.

Five wickets tumbled as the day ended, giving Dorset a great chance to win the game.