Victories for Shrewsbury and Smethwick have allowed the two sides break free at the top of the First Division.

Leaders Shrewsbury emerged triumphant from a high-scoring game at Dorridge, with Ed Foster compiling an unbeaten century to help his side make light of a testing target with six wickets in hand. South African overseas player Antonio Mullins (83) lent forthright support.

Earlier, former Worcestershire player Abdul Hafeez made an undefeated 127 as Dorridge posted 250 from their 55 overs.

Smethwick sustained the pressure at the top with an eight-wicket victory over Aston Unity. Only Laeq-ur-Rehman (56) could prosper as the Smethwick attack - led by Aurol Kirnon (three for 19) - dismissed Unity for just

151.

In reply Imran Jamiel (82 not out) was in punishing form, leading the victory charge with almost 30 overs to spare.

Smethwick face a tough finish to the season, however. Their opponents on Bank Holiday Monday are Shrewsbury, while Water Orton and Kidderminster Victoria await them in the final two games of the season.

Third-place Water Orton fell back after a nail-biting draw against Cannock. Requiring just one to win from the final ball of the match, Lesroy Irish was bowled by Darren Wesson to leave the scores level.

Earlier, Greg Wright (51) and Mark Humphries (58) provided the basis of Cannock's total, with Ed Harris claiming four wickets.

Kidderminster Victoria also slipped up at mid-table Harborne. The hosts' opener, Simon Gear, compiled a patient 106 not out to help his side post a competitive total of 209 for seven after they had stumbled to 25 for five.

"It was a great display of resolve and character from a fine player," Harborne captain Jon Cockcroft said. "Dan Wood [34] provided good support, and Mark Thompson [29 not out] provided late impetus by thrashing three sixes into the trees at the end."

Kidderminster found things no easier in reply. Harborne's leg-spinners, Stephen Moreton (six for 56) and Jon Cockcroft (four for 75), took all ten wickets between them to clinch a 34-run victory, with Jim Moreton pouching five catches at long on and backward point.

"Apart from Ashley Giles and Alex Loudon, there can't be a better spinner in the county than Stephen," Cockcroft said. "He can bat, too, so there's no reason he couldn't go on to enjoy a decent firstclass career."

Further down the table, Walmley moved towards safety at the expense of Stratford. Gary Steer's six for 46 helped dismiss the hosts for just Stratford to just 167, despite 65 from Solly Ndima. In reply, openers Carlos Prowse and Tariq Mohammed each made 77 to secure a comfortable eight-wicket victory.

Another excellent all-round display from Tim Groenewald saw Sutton Coldfield to a 95-run victory over lowly Bromsgrove.

Groenewald took four for 50 to add to his century as Sutton registered their fifth win of the campaign. Dan Davies (73) played the supporting hand in Sutton's innings.

Shifnal went clear at the top of Division Two, with an eight-wicket victory over Solihull Blossomfield. Chasing a modest target of 195, Shifnal's openers Edward Home (78) and Bryan Jones (47) laid the platform for victory.

Wolves lost ground on the leaders after just managing to cling on for a losing draw against Studley.

In Division Three, leaders Evesham suffered a surprise defeat to struggling Penkridge. That allowed second placed Aston Manor to close the gap to 12 points.