Shrewsbury and Wellington claimed notable Bank Holiday Monday scalps to remain in the top three of the Birmingham League premier division.

Shrewsbury defeated the 2008 champions Barnt Green in convincing style, by five wickets and with more than eight overs to spare.

Fine opening spells from Mike Barnard and Paul Donaldson, who took three and two wickets respectively, reduced Barnt Green to 33-5 before they staged a recovery, former Warwickshire ace Dougie Brown making 63 to help his side to 205-9 in 55 overs.

But, despite losing Ryan Bishop early in their reply, Shrewsbury made short shrift of the chase with Ed Foster’s 91 providing the platform for a straight-forward success.

“We didn’t bowl and field well and, after a disappointing display against Kenilworth two weeks ago, we are seeking more,” said captain Foster.

“But we batted very well and to beat a side like Barnt Green so convincingly was a good effort by all the lads.

“We have beaten some good teams so far and the only disappointment is that the two games we have had rained off have been against teams in the bottom three.”

Nerveless

Wellington secured an impressive three-wicket victory at Walsall – thanks in no short measure to a nerveless performance from 17-year-old Tom Saunders.

The youngster teamed up with Mark Downes in an unbeaten 30-run partnership to ensure Wellington passed their target of 194.

Overseas professional Gerhard Strydom made 58 and Wendell Wagner 52.

“There was still a lot to do when Mark and Tom came together but Tom handled the pressure really well,” said spokesman Terry O’Connor.

Mark Downes and Adam Byram had earlier taken three wickets each to restrict Walsall to 193-9, although bthey had earlier been 35-4.

Shifnal suffered a five-wicket defeat in their division one top of the table clash at Old Hill.

The visitors were in trouble after being put into bat, slumping to 10-3.

Anthony Parker’s 57, an unbeaten 40 from captain Stuart Blount and 29 from Martyn Davies helped Shifnal recover to 180 all out.

But Old Hill’s reply got off to a flying start and, despite a Shifnal fightback midway through the innings, the home side got home with eight overs and five wickets to spare.

“It was a pretty crucial toss but we were still probably 40 runs short,” said Blount, whose side remain third despite the defeat.

By JAMES GARRISON