Shropshire win Counties opener on the final day

The county side overcame a washed-out morning session and a 236-run deficit to claim an emphatic seven-wicket win at South Wiltshire Cricket Club yesterday.

Shropshire, who have now won all five of their competitive games so far this season, had started the day 233 runs behind their hosts, who were 156-8 in their second innings.

Oliver had warned that they would need to take the remaining two wickets quickly to give themselves the best shot at victory.

Morning rain meant play did not get underway until 2.45pm but, once the match resumed, the visitors wasted no time.

Joe Leach and Dan Bowen removed Tahir Afridi and Joe King, thanks to two fine catches from Anthony Parker, for just three further runs.

And Shropshire then raced to their target with 13 overs to spare for the loss of just three wickets.

Oliver said: "Our target was 237 and we didn't waste any time. It was a very professional performance and we didn't panic.

"The way we bowled in their second innings on Monday was a real game changer and yesterday was about wrapping up the win and getting away with the weather, which we did.

"We were sat there all morning thinking 'we are not going to get on here' but when we did we were hungry to get the job done and I'm really pleased with the result. I couldn't have asked for more."

Oliver, who made 72 with the bat, also hailed the importance of Bilal Shafayat's 97 which helped ease the visitors to their total.

The skipper said: "I was disappointed he couldn't get 100 but it was a match-winning knock."

Shrewsbury's Steve Leach was removed for a duck but brother Joe Leach made an unbeaten 45.