Ashlin full of praise following a summer of progress

The side just failed to put the seal on a superb season when they went down by 38 runs to Lancashire in the British Association for Cricketers with Disabilities/ECB National final at Middleton Cricket Club, in Greater Manchester.

"The D40 squad have performed superbly over the summer and to reach a national final is recognition of both their skill and commitment over the course of the season," said Ashlin. "The squad are disappointed they couldn't come out on top but they are looking forward to the competition next year and aim to go one better."

Ashlin also reserved special praise for the coaching and managerial support staff who have worked with the squad. "Hours and hours of passion and hard work has gone into coaching and managing the D40 squad by a number of people and the SCB would like to congratulate and thank those involved.

"The players, coaching and management team are all fantastic ambassadors for disability cricket and we are confident disability cricket in Shropshire will continue to go from strength to strength in the future."

Shropshire captain Matty Watton elected to field first in the final and his side started off with a real purpose with some quality bowling and fielding.

Lancashire were reduced to 42-2 through accurate and tight spells from Callum Rigby (Madeley) and Jess Ward (Newport) which were backed up by superbly in the field.

A recovery saw Lancashire move to 80-2 but an inspired eight-over stint from Bomere Heath's Adam James (4-21), supported by Sean Rigby (Madeley), saw Lancashire collapse to 127 all out.

Shropshire's reply began steadily with openers Callum Rigby and Ward looking solid.

Ward's wicket started a difficult spell for Shropshire but a promising partnership between Sean Rigby and Adam James took them to 71-4 with plenty of time left and the pair looking settled.

But Sean Rigby fell to a fantastic which turned the game a the Lancashire bowlers turned the screw to dismiss Shropshire for 89.