Shropshire’s ‘satisfactory’ opening

Wednesday 10th June 2009, 12:00PM BST.

Shropshire’s cricketers were today reflecting on a “satisfactory” opening to their Minor Counties Championship campaign after a cliffhanger of a draw against Herefordshire.

Three days of rain-interrupted action at Eastnor reached a thrilling conclusion yesterday as both sides entered the final over of the match with realistic ambitions of victory.

Chasing 197 to win after a declaration from Shropshire captain James Ralph, Herefordshire eventually ended on 189-9 as both sides bagged 13 points.

“It was a very good game in the end and I think both captains would be happy that, with three balls to go, both teams could still win it,” said Ralph.

“There were times yesterday I didn’t think they would go for it but they had a real go in the last six or seven overs.

“I was starting to wonder whether I had given them too much leeway with the declaration but we kept taking wickets and were in with a chance to end end.

“We have got 13 points so that is a satisfactory start.”

Ralph, however, is aware his side batting must improve after failing to bat beyond 50 overs in either innings.

“We have to learn that 90 overs is a long, long time and if we go through a spell of six overs where we block and don’t score many runs, it’s not a problem,” added Ralph.

“At the moment, batting 60 overs looks beyond us so that’s what we have to work on.”

By JAMES GARRISON

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