DORSET impressively fought back against Shropshire on day two of their MCCA Championship Western Division clash at Shrewsbury.

Hampshire wicketkeeper-batsman Lewis McManus hit a superb 93 to lead the recovery after the hosts had posted 344-6 declared from 87 overs.

The visitors’ exploits ensured a deficit of 26 runs on a batting-friendly surface that has so far yielded just 13 wickets in 177 overs of play.

Resuming on 219-2, Shropshire failed to add to their tally as Worcestershire batsman Ollie Westbury (68) was caught by McManus off Brad Currie (3-88).

Shropshire dangerman Warwick Fynn (79) then saw his stumps castled to become Currie’s third victim before the home side turned on the afterburners.

Former Netherlands and Worcestershire batsman Alexei Kervezee blasted 77 from 53 balls, with five fours and three sixes, to boost Shropshire to 344-6, the hosts declaring shortly after Jigar Naik (3-70) removed the Namibian-born star.

Dorset’s openers failed to see off the new ball in reply as Hampshire youngster Felix Organ (10) was bowled by Jack Twigger (1-57) before Ben Walker (11) was trapped lbw by George Garrett (2-55).

Captain Luke Webb (31) battled away with McManus, the latter compiling a classy 93 after Webb was bowled by Kervezee (2-62).

McManus found an able ally in Ed Ellis (73) and the duo stroked a commanding 139-run stand before the Hampshire man edged Fynn (1-87) behind seven runs short of his ton.

Alex Eckland (35) and Josh Digby (33) added useful late runs as Dorset navigated a brief rain delay to end their 90 overs with a draw seemingly the likeliest result.