Shrewsbury have missed out on a Birmingham League premier division victory by one wicket – for the second successive week.

After last week’s near miss against Wellington, reigning champions Shrewsbury came within a whisker of snatching maximum points at Kidderminster Victoria in a repeat of last season’s title decider.

Batting first, Shrewsbury made 211-9 off 55 overs thanks in no short measure to 43 from Australian Paul Donaldson.

Kidderminster’s reply was reduced by five overs to 50 because of a rain break and the hosts ended on 174-9, Joe Leach the Shrewsbury star taking 4-34.

The visitors had less than an over at their final pair.

“Initially it was a bit frustrating to come so close but on reflection, it was fairly pleasing,” said captain Ed Foster.

“We were 100-2 at one stage so should have got a few more than 211 but we bowled well.”

A poor start and finish proved costly to Wellington as they went down by six wickets at home to Himley.

Wellington were reduced to 23-3 before eventually being dismissed for 166, Worcestershire contracted player James Cameron making 43 and Mark Downes 34.

Martin Delaney aided the recovery mission with 18 and then took 2-31 with the ball – included the prize scalp of former Indian Test star Wasim Jaffer for 13.

That helped reduce Himley to 107-6 but they suffered no further damage in getting over the line.

“We were indisciplined at the start and then there was an excellent recovery mission,” said spokesman Terry O’Connor.

“We gave ourselves a chance with them being six down but we didn’t take it.”

By JAMES GARRISON