Shrewsbury claimed Shropshire bragging rights and top spot in the Birmingham League premier division after a comprehensive eight wicket home win over Wellington.

The London Road men made light work of chasing down Wellington’s 224-6, easing home with more than 13 overs to spare.

Skipper Ed Foster scored an unbeaten 122, his first of two centuries in two days after matching the feat for Shropshire against Dorset at Bridgnorth’s Cricket Meadow yesterday.

Ryan Bishop also made 54 – sharing an opening stand of 125 with Foster – while Joe Leach chipped in with 30.

“Apart from the last five or six overs of their innings, I was really pleased with the performance,” said Foster.

“We bowled well to keep their score down and the batting was also very strong.

“It’s probably a surprise to a lot of people we are top and I’m a bit surprised if I’m honest.”

Contracted player James Cameron made 91 for Wellington while overseas professional Gerhard Strydom provided useful support with 69.

Batted

But they were well restricted by a Shrewsbury bowling attack which saw Worcestershire’s Jack Shantry take 3-24.

“We came up against a very good side who put in a very good performance,” said Wellington team manager Terry O’Connor.

“Our score was competitive but the game was taken away from us with the way they batted.

“Both openers (Foster and Bishop) gave us a chance with the score on 62 but Foster’s innings was special and we could only sit there and watch.”

Wellington had begun the weekend top of the table, but the defeat sees them drop to fourth with Shrewsbury, Barnt Green and Knowle & Dorridge going above them.

Shifnal were forced to cling on for a losing draw at Dorridge.

Despite 3-84 from Iain Mills, Dorridge were able to post a competitive 246-6 off their 55 overs.

The loss of three early wickets didn’t help the Shifnal cause.

But decent contributions from Tom Collins (52), Martyn Davies (34) and Stuart Blount (30) ensured the Priorslee Road men weren’t beaten as they ended on 191-8.

By JAMES GARRISON