Super Shrewsbury are through to the quarter-finals of the National Knockout after a thrilling bowl-out triumph, writes JAMES GARRISON.

The 1983 champions kept alive their hopes of winning the prestigious competition for the second time by defeating fellow Birmingham League premier division side Walmley in cricket’s equivalent of a penalty shoot-out.

Five players from both teams were selected to bowl two deliveries each, and Shrewsbury trailed 1-0 after Tom Allin and Jon Anders  failed to hit.

Matt McKeever was on target twice, while Steve Barnard hit once to make it 3-3 with one player to come from each side.

Rob Foster held his nerve superbly to send down two successful deliveries as the rain got heavier, while Walmey’s final bowler could only hit once as Shrewsbury progressed 5-4.

“I was very nervous and shaking a bit out there so full credit to the bowlers for staying calm,” said captain Ed Foster. “It’s not a good way to decide it but we are delighted to be through.”

The original tie was abandoned because of the weather last week, with the rain starting to fall during the tea interval in yesterday’s re-arranged match after Walmley had made 208-6 from their 45 overs.

Shrewsbury are now looking forward to a quarter-final trip to York on Sunday.