A sparkling century from Ed Foster saw Shropshire defeat an International Invitational XI to claim the Resource Bank Challenge Trophy at Wrekin College.

Captain Foster fittingly hit the winning boundary as Shropshire made light work of their target of 180 to secure a six-wicket victory in the two 20-overs innings per side game.

His unbeaten 100 came off just 53 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes.

And it helped Shropshire to success against a side which included New Zealand Test ace Lou Vincent and former England paceman Alex Tudor, as well as a host of overseas professionals from Birmingham League clubs.

Batting first, the Invitational side made a respectable 179-5 in their first innings.

Vincent led the way with 70 off just 45 balls, while St Georges’ Godfrey Stevens chipped in with 39.

Shropshire looked set for parity at the halfway stage, with 57 from professional Chris Murtagh and a breezy 30 from Whitchurch batsman Richard Oliver laying the platform for the hosts.

Stunning

But they eventually ended up with a 13-run first innings advantage, largely thanks to a stunning display of big hitting from Shifnal’s Anthony Parker who required just 20 balls to make 53 and help his side to 192-7.

That score was matched by the Invitational side in their second innings, big-hitting South Australian Aiden Blizzard striking an impressive 63 before a late cameo from Wolverhampton’s Ryan Canning saw him finish unbeaten on 33.

Off spinner Andy Gray was the pick of the second innings bowlers with 4-23, the Invitational side’s 192-8 leaving Shropshire requiring 180 for an overall victory.

Step forward Foster whose fine century ended the game as a contest, Murtagh also making his second 50 of the day to help the hosts home with 15 balls to spare.

While raising vital revenue, the game may not represent a major on-the-pitch priority for Shropshire.

But it certain provided a welcome boost ahead of Sunday’s crucial MCCA Trophy semi-final at Hertfordshire.

By JAMES GARRISON