Richard Oliver full of praise for Shropshire
Skipper Richard Oliver saw Shropshire's Minor Counties title hopes slip away against Cheshire – but insisted he had experienced one of his best days in cricket.
Shropshire's bid to be crowned Western Division champions ended on the second day of their clash with the table-toppers at Nantwich.
But Oliver was delighted with his side's performance as they fought back after the home side had posted an imposing total of 455-8.
Opener Stephen Leach batted all 90 overs of the reply to finish unbeaten on 157 as Shropshire made 391-8 from their 90 overs.
And the bowlers followed up that good work with the ball to leave the home side on 137-5, 201 ahead, going into today's final day.
"We've gone from having a tough day at the office to one of the best days in the office," said Oliver. "As far as days go in minor counties cricket, it was as good as it gets.
"We were absolutely sensational and played them off the park. The boys were brilliant and their bounebackability was sensational.
"They hit our fifth-string bowling attack for 450 and we've hit their best bowling attack for 400 – I can't ask for much more than that.
"We came into the game aiming to beat Cheshire and we've got ourselves into a position where we can give it a crack."
Oliver was full of praise for Shrewsbury batsman Leach, who faced 263 balls during a knock which brought a maiden county century.
"We've seen a special innings," added Oliver. "He showed terrific discipline and self control while also having the range of shots to get to 150.
"Steve got what he deserved. It was fantastic for him to get his 150 in the last over.
