Shropshire Cricket captain Ed Foster is confident his side can bounce back from another disappointing Minor Counties performance in next week’s MCCA Knock Out Trophy final against Lincolnshire at Durham’s Chester-le-Street.

Foster’s side suffered a 145 run defeat to Berkshire at Shrewsbury and although the skipper was left disappointed he said the squad would be determined to bounce back.

He said: “I’m sure confidence has taken a hit but it’s a completely different competition next week so hopefully it won’t be too much of a problem.

“We’ll have a couple of additions to the squad so hopefully we can produce a performance.

“We’ve played well in that format of the game this season but our form in three day cricket hasn’t been very good in the last few matches.

“We’ve still got one game left against Cheshire and it’s important we learn from our mistakes – and we’ve made quite a few this season.”

Shropshire have now gone four games without a victory in the three day game – a run stretching back to an opening success against South Wiltshire in early June.

And that is a run which has seen the side slip out of contention for the Western Division title heading into the final round of games.Foster added: “I haven’t seen a league table but I can’t imagine we are too close to the leaders now. We haven’t played well enough.”

l Next Wednesday’s MCCA Knock Out final against Lincolnshire has a reserve day on Thursday in case of rain.

By ALEX JAMES