The future looks bright for Shropshire cricket – despite a heavy nine wicket defeat to Cheshire in their final game of the Minor Counties Championship season.

A depleted Shropshire side – shorn of skipper Ed Foster and wicketkeeper Matt Tilt – never looked like winning the western division clash after allowing the home side to score 308-8 in their first innings at Alderley Edge.

And two poor batting displays from the visitors meant they never got a foothold in the match.

But despite the result county cricket co-ordinator Terry O’Connor was encouraged by the displays of two young debutants.

Wicketkeeper Ben Price, 18, and bowler Jack Edwards, 16, enjoyed excellent matches with Wellington’s Price in particular standing out.

O’Connor said: “Ben kept wicket very well and batted superbly in the second innings.

“He missed out on a half century by just one run in the second innings which was a shame. He was left stranded on 49 after Elliot Green was run out last man.”

Price had called Green through for a sharp single as he tried to reach a debut 50 but a direct hit from Cheshire’s Dan Berry dismissed Green and left the Wellington youngster stranded.

And O’Connor was also pleased with the performance of Bridgnorth’s Edwards who, despite not taking a wicket during the match, impressed with his accuracy.

O’Connor added: “He bowled very well in the first innings and he batted well as well.

“He’s only a young lad and I thought he was excellent.”

Resuming the second day on 90-6 Shropshire lost two quick wickets and relied on a ninth wicket stand of 47 between the two debutants to reach 143 all out.

Put back in the visitors again failed with the bat with Price’s 49, off just 48 balls and including seven fours and two sixes, the highlight of a meagre 207 all out.

And despite a Jonty Mountford wicket off the opening ball of Cheshire’s run chase, Jon Kettle and Ben Spendlove raced to the target of 44 inside seven overs to wrap up the win.

By ALEX JAMES