Shropshire’s cricketers will have an outside chance of creating history in the final Minor Counties Championship game of the season later this month.

James Ralph’s side completed an excellent 97-run western division victory over second placed Dorset at Bournemouth yesterday to keep alive their hopes of winning the title for only the second time – and the first since 1973.

Shropshire appeared right in contention for the title when they wrapped up victory yesterday afternoon.

But their championship hopes were dented when news filtered through later that leaders Cornwall had snatched a dramatic victory over Devon.

That means Shropshire will begin their final game against Cheshire – who are also in title contention – at Whitchurch on Sunday week 16 points behind the leaders and knowing they must win and hope Cornwall lost to Wales.

“It’s nice to go into the last game with a chance and we will give it everything we have got,” said Ralph.

“It was an excellent victory in Dorset. With the odd exception, we didn’t bat particularly well in either innings and the application and shot selection was poor.

“But we bowled exceptionally well and took some excellent catches which was the difference.”

Shropshire, however, will enter that final game unable to call on three key performers with the Foster brothers – Ed and Rob – and seamer Michael Barnard all expected to play for Shrewsbury in the semi-finals of the National Knockout against Chester-Le-Street.

And Shropshire officials insist they have no problem with the trio showing loyalty to their their club as Shrewsbury chase a repeat of their 1983 success.

“We have got no problem with the Shrewsbury lads wanting to play in the semi-finals of a prestigious national competition,” said chairman Bryan Foulkes.

By JAMES GARRISON