Shropshire’s cricketers were today beginning their preparations for a winner-takes-all showdown with local rivals Staffordshire next weekend, writes JAMES GARRISON.

The two teams will go head-to-head at Audley on Sunday bidding for a place in the quarter-finals of the MCCA Trophy.

Shropshire secured their second group two victory from three matches yesterday when they beat Northumberland by 45 runs in a thrilling tussle at Oswestry.

That result, coupled with a Cheshire victory over Staffordshire, blew the group wide apart. Shropshire, Northumberland, Staffordshire and Cheshire have all got four points.

Northumberland have finished their fixtures while Cheshire will be expected to beat whipping boys Cumberland on Sunday to book their place in the top two.

And that would leave Staffordshire and Shropshire vying for the remaining place in the last eight.

Shropshire’s victory yesterday came despite the home side slumping to 93-7.

But Jono Whitney’s first one-day century for Shropshire helped his side to 230-9 from their 50 overs.

Northumberland were then bowled out for 185 with man-of-the-match Whitney taking four wickets.

“It was a real emotional roller-coaster,” said captain Ed Foster, who was today playing at Lord’s for MCC against Wales. “Jono was fantastic and the boys did a brilliant job in the field.”