Shropshire produced a stunning run chase to get off to a winning start in their rain-affected opener to the Minor Counties Championship.

Rain washed out the first two days of the three-day western division clash with Wales at Pontarddulais.

But there was enough time left for a 100-over shoot-out yesterday – Wales bashing 232-7 off their 60 overs, only for skipper Ed Foster to inspire a brilliant run chase, his century the backbone of a success that came with just eight balls to spare.

Foster won the morning toss and chose to field first, giving the hosts the advantage of 20 extra overs due to the format used in Minor Counties clashes which are reduced to one day’s play.

Wales got off to a solid start, Rhodri Evans and Dan Roberts putting on 64 for the opening wicket.

But it was the Shropshire spin twins Rob Foster and Andy Gray who turned the tide, bowling three-quarters of the 60 overs between them and taking six of the seven wickets that fell.

Shropshire’s reply started cautiously and they looked to be in trouble when Stephen Leach fell for 21 and Chris Murtagh was bowled first ball – both victims for Andrew Salter – to leave the visitors on 44-2.

That brought Rob Foster to the crease to team up with brother Ed and they put on a sensational 101 that changed the game.

Rob finally fell for 44, a knock that came at the rate of almost one a ball, but by then Shropshire looked to be on course for victory.

James Ralph followed with a quickfire 16 that took his side into the tea break with momentum and, by the time Ed Foster was dismissed for exactly 100 – caught by Darren Thomas off the bowling of former Shropshire man Adam Shantry – victory was in sight.

It was left to Jono Whitney and Anthony Parker to see the job through.

“It was always going to be difficult to try and get a result within 100 overs with both sides not wanting to give too much away,” said captain Foster.

“I felt we could have bowled better at times and some of our fielding was sluggish.But everyone in the batting line-up scored a few runs and got stuck in.”

By CHRIS HUDSON