Shropshire aces are sitting pretty

Shropshire took full advantage of the clash between title rivals Cornwall and Berkshire in the south west being abandoned as a draw by sealing a fourth win in five Championship matches at Cheshire yesterday.

Excellent bowling from spinners Henry Blofield and David Wainwright, who took nine of Cheshire's second innings wickets between them, wrapped up an impressive 70-run victory at Nantwich.

The result leaves Shropshire five points clear of Berkshire at the top of the table ahead of the county's final match of the season against Wiltshire at Devizes, which starts on August 14, and dreaming of adding to their only title success in 1973.

Foxall said: "We just have to approach it in the same professional manner that we've approached all the other games.

"It's just been terrific application. The captain, Steve Leach, has captained well. It's been absolutely terrific."

He stressed Shropshire's latest success owed much to an all-round team effort, but saluted the efforts of former Derbyshire star Wainwright and Shrewsbury spinner Blofield.

Wainwright ended with match figures of 10-154 from 49.1 overs while he also weighed in impressively with the bat, hitting 95 in the first innings and then an unbeaten 79 as Cheshire were set a victory target of 301.

"It seems as though he's never left the field!" said Foxall.

"That's not quite right, but when you look at what he's done with the bat as well as with the ball, it is the ideal performance.

"It's what you dream of from your professional player. He was fantastic."

As for the contribution of Shrewsbury spinner Blofield, who also picked up eight wickets for his club side at the weekend, Foxall added: "It was a very good long spell from Henry.

"He's benefited from playing in the team regularly, getting to bowl for a long time and bowling at the other end to someone like David Wainwright."