Bilal Shafayat steals show for Shropshire

Shropshire's cricketers this afternoon saw their opening Minor Counties Championship clash of the season effectively become a one innings shoot-out.

Cheshire were dismissed for 228 in their first innings shortly before lunch at Bridgnorth's Cricket Meadow in reply to Shropshire's total of 240 yesterday.

Professional Bilal Shafayat, featuring in his first western division game for Shropshire after being given permission to play by Hampshire, was the hero with the ball as he finished with figures of 5-38 from 18 overs.

The former Wellington ace built on his three scalps from last night to bowl Ross Dixon in the first over over the second morning of three for nought and had Cheshire captain Adam Syddall caught behind by Shifnal's Anthony Parker for six.

Jono Whitney, playing on his home ground, brought an end to a watchful innings from left-hander Tom Twinney, who was trapped leg before having made 44 off 136 deliveries.

Whitney also had Jonny Fawcett caught for 16 by Rob Foster who, in turn, wrapped up the innings by bowling No 11 Ian Tait for eight.

Danny Woods was left unbeaten on 14 before Shropshire extended their lead with captain Ed Foster and Richard Oliver reaching 7-0 in their second innings in the two overs possible before lunch.

The home side's major concern of the day was provided by Shifnal paceman Jonty Mountford, who didn't take to the field this morning due to an ankle problem sustained during yesterday's warm-up.

The badly swollen ankle was x-rayed this morning and will be assessed by a doctor tomorrow.

Mountford's Shifnal team-mate Jack Edwards was given permission to field as 12th man.