CRICKET: Wiltshire clash finely poised (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

CRICKET: Wiltshire clash finely poised

11:01am Tuesday 5th June 2012 in Wiltshire Sport By Owen Houlihan

WILTSHIRE'S prospects of opening their Minor Counties Championship Western Division campaign with victory remained in the balance heading into the final day at Bournemouth today.

The visitors, who posted 321-6 in their opening 90-over innings on day one on Sunday, saw Dorset get within nine of that total before stretching their advantage to 141 by the end of the second day.

Dorset reached 312-9 from their 90 overs in reply when play resumed on Monday, rebuilding an innings that looked in trouble at 119-5 at one stage.

Wiltshire bowlers Mukesh Bhatt, Ben Gardner and Tahir Afridi made early inroads as Nick Park (42), Charlie Esson (34) and Jack Leach (33) posted useful contributions.

Tom Hicks (65no) and Chris Park (50) shared a 61 partnership before Hicks and Ed Denham (37) put on 73 for the eighth wicket.

Bhatt finished with 3-83, Gardner 2-32 and Afridi 2-79.

Wiltshire lost Goatacre's Ed Kilbee cheaply as the second innings started but Warminster's Richie Underdown hit 32 and Henry Langford remained unbeaten on 46 as they reached 132-5 at stumps, a lead of 141.

NEWS FROM THE FINAL DAY AT BOURNEMOUTH AT GAZETTEANDHERALD.CO.UK/SPORT AND WILTSHIRETIMES.CO.UK/SPORT, PLUS REACTION IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD AND FRIDAY'S WILTSHIRE TIMES