Bowen’s best gives Shropshire flying start

Paceman Dan Bowen claimed his best Minor Counties Championship figures to help secure Shropshire a flying start to their campaign.

Bowen’s four second-innings wickets ensured Cheshire never threatened to chase down a daunting 272 on the final day at Bridgnorth’s Cricket Meadow and ultimately fell 88 runs short after being dismissed for 183.

Professional Bilal Shafayat also shone with the ball by claiming his second five-wicket haul of the match – amazingly he returned analysis of 5-38 in both innings – while former Worcestershire paceman Chris Whelan earned his first scalp for Shropshire as he enticed a nick behind from Danny Berry.

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But it was the display of Bowen, who missed last season through a knee injury, which gave captain Ed Foster most satisfaction.

“Dan was excellent and the fact he got out their three, four and five was a massive turning point,” he said.

“He is probably still a bit rusty after being injured but it was the chance for him to have a decent bowl here and he got into a good rhythm.

“Hopefully he can move on from here.”

Shafayat’s rewards for consistently hitting a nagging line and length on a pitch which always offered some assistance for the bowlers, was a 10-wicket match haul, secured by wrapping up proceedings shortly before 3pm by bowling Danny Woods.

That left Shropshire celebrating victory in the opening Championship game for a third successive season, all the more important as they were the only side in the western division to doge the rain and force a triumph.

It was difficult not to have some sympathy for Cheshire captain Adam Syddall and left-arm spinner Woods who claimed eight wickets in the first innings and nine in the second respectively.

But Shropshire, who consistently had their noses in front throughout the three days, were undoubtedly deserved winners.

Sterner tests await and Foster will be anxious to avoid the two mini-batting collapses which brought both innings to a premature conclusion, as well as the no-ball frenzy which dogged his side on the opening evening.

There is room for improvement – but this was a hugely encouraging start nevertheless.