Shropshire’s cricketers have produced a record breaking display – but it wasn’t enough to clinch victory.

Ed Foster’s side posted the highest fourth innings score in the club’s 53-year-history – 364-7 –against Herefordshire at Bridgnorth yesterday.

But they fell an agonising six runs short of completing a Minor Counties Championship run chase as they were beaten by the clock and were forced to settle for a draw.

“The emotions are mixed,” said captain Foster, who made 100 while his brother Rob contributed an unbeaten 81 yesterday.

“In those last five overs we could have won the game, we could have lost the game and we ended up drawing it.

“It was a good chase and we performed well but to get so close is frustrating.

“If anything, the top order needed to contribute a few more runs.”

While Foster was relatively pleased with his side’s display, he insisted there was room for improvement in some areas.

“I’m a tough task-master and, while we had a first innings lead (of 77) I think it should have been 40 or 50 more because we were in a good position in our first innings,” said Foster.

“With the ball, it was a very flat wicket and the guys that bowled put in a big effort and weren’t expensive but we needed to pick up a couple of wickets with the new ball.”

Shropshire earned 12 points from the draw which leaves them in sixth – but the extra six runs required for a win would have earned them a further dozen points and taken them second.

By JAMES GARRISON