Shrewsbury were today the toast of Shropshire cricket after they were dramatically crowned as King of the Midlands.

The London Road men became only the second Shropshire team to win the Birmingham League premier division – one of the biggest prizes in club cricket – after a nerve jangling final day on Saturday.

Shrewsbury fought back from the brink of defeat to take their winner-takes-all title decider at Kidderminster by 37 runs.

The victory sparked a huge party back at club headquarters on Saturday night before the players continued their celebrations in the county town into the early hours of the morning.

“It was a fantastic day,” said delighted captain Ed Foster, whose team have lifted the title by sticking to their club principle of not paying players.

“We have only been in the Birmingham League nine years and to win the title is a great achievement for all associated with the club.

Talented

“We are one of the youngest sides in the league and there have been times that I have been the oldest player in the team at 25.

“It shows what a talented group of players we have and hopefully there are a lot of good years ahead.”

The final day hero was 19-year-old leg spinner Elliot Green who took an astonishing nine wickets as Kidderminster collapsed from 93-1 to 159 all out chasing 196 for the title.

“For a lad of such a young age to take nine wickets in the biggest game of his career so far is a fantastic achievement,” added Foster, who has enjoyed a stunning cricketing year having captained Shropshire to MCCA Trophy glory.

“He deserves all the accolades he is getting.”

Messages of congratulations have been received from across Shropshire over the weekend.

And they were led by Wellington, the only other county team to win the championship.

“It’s a magnificent achievement and it’s great to see a team who play for the badge win the title and for so many Shropshire players to perform well under pressure,” said Wellington manager Terry O’Connor.

• Shrewsbury overcame their collective hangover to complete the double yesterday, beating Himley in the final of the Graham Williamson Trophy – a Birmingham League invitation tournament.

By JAMES GARRISON