County in dramatic win thanks to Andy
Wednesday 20th August 2008, 11:50AM BST.
Captain James Ralph today hailed the “brilliance” of Shropshire spinner Andy Gray as their Minor Counties campaign ended on a high.
Gray took 8-59 at Instow yesterday as hosts Devon collapsed from 111-1 to 195 all out in the final western division championship game of the season.
An exciting last day had been set up by Ralph and his opposite number Bobby Dawson, with both teams forfeiting one innings after the entire second day had been washed out.
Shropshire had racked up 348-9 in their first innings on Sunday before Gray – who took 9-56 against Cornwall earlier in the year – got to work.
“It was a nice way to finish,” said Ralph. “We turned up at the ground not expecting to play at all yesterday after all the rain we had on Monday.
“It was extremely windy at first and that was negating the pace and swing of our bowlers.
“At lunch, it looked like it was going to be a draw -and if any team was going to win it, it looked like being Devon.
“It took the brilliance of Andy Gray to change it and it just seems the Minor Counties batsman can’t cope with his spin.”Chairman of selectors Trevor Sheperd added: “Andy bowled like a wizard and Bruce Thomason also took three stunning catches.”
Final confirmation of the table was being awaited today – but it seems likely Shropshire have finished sixth.
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A pretty poor season for a pretty poor side.
Expectation very low so they’ve lived up to that at least.
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jog on!!
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fair comment jono…. I had high expectations of what looked a very good side this year. 2 bad days cost us the season. sorry to say Barn Stable your horse is way off the mark.
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‘Way off the mark’!?.
The league table doesn’t lie- and hasn’t for the last 35 years.
Within Shropshire the thought may be perhaps we have a good side- for the rest of the counties Shropshire are fodder!!!
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