Fine stand gets match win for Shropshire

They were set 246 for victory by previous table-toppers Cornwall on the final day of an exciting Unicorns Minor Counties Championship clash at Bridgnorth.

The target looked a long way off when Shropshire were in trouble at 64-4, after losing three wickets in four balls.

Cool heads were called for and Wainwright, the former Derbyshire and Yorkshire star, and Worfield man Aucott duly responded.

Aucott, who went on the attack after lunch, eventually perished for 89, which neatly complemented his unbeaten 76 in the first innings.

And when he was out, bowled by Jordan Thomas, Shropshire still required 31. In Wainwright, though, they had the ideal man at the crease.

He got his head down to see the job through, sealing victory with a boundary to end undefeated on 8.

The county got home with four wickets to spare to make it three Championship wins from as many games.

Shropshire made a positive start to their run chase with openers Richard Oliver and Steve Leach putting on 57 inside 15 overs.

Oliver was stumped by wicketkeeper Scott Harvey off Greg Smith for 35. Shropshire then suffered a poor 18th over, bowled by Andrew Libby, as three wickets fell in four balls with the score on 64.

Joe Carrasco was bowled, Omar Ali caught at mid-off first ball and skipper Leach swiftly followed, caught behind for 28.

But then Wainwright was joined in the middle by Aucott and they impressively led a revival, both passing 50 just after lunch.

They batted together for 36 overs until Aucott was bowled by Thomas, 11 runs short of a century, having faced 109 balls and hit a six and 13 boundaries on his way to 89.

Bridgnorth's James Ralph quickly came and went to leave Shropshire on 226-6, but Wainwright kept a cool head.

Some late support was provided by Shrewsbury youngster Henry Blofield to seal a fine victory with his ninth four to end 80 not out from 138 deliveries.

Shropshire's next game is against Berkshire at Shifnal from July 17-19.