Whitney stars in county win

Shropshire’s cricketers were this afternoon celebrating a dream start to their Minor Counties Championship campaign after completing a resounding eight-wicket triumph over Herefordshire.What could have been a potentially awkward pursuit of a victory target of 159 became a two-hour stroll to success completed with 20 minutes still to go to lunch at Shifnal.

Jono Whitney was the hero on his home ground, hitting an unbeaten 94 off 98 balls to ensure his side secured only their second success in 13 attempts over the Cidermen.

Buoyed by the controversial dismissal of professional John Maunders in the final over last night, Herefordshire began with high hopes of piling the pressure on Shropshire who resumed on 3-1.

But Whitney and Atiq Ur-Rehman had other ideas and soon put the visitors on the back foot with a string of fine shots. The duo both survived half chances in the same over midway through the morning but continued to take the scoreboard along at a rapid rate.

Whitney hit 15 fours and one six while Rehman racked up nine boundaries before he was dismissed for 55 with just 21 required when he played on to a David Exall delivery.

But Whitney saw his side to victory partnered at the crease by Wrekin College debutant Richard Oliver, who was unbeaten on three after a first innings golden duck.

By James Garrison