Shrewsbury shocker on opening day
Shrewsbury were left reeling as they started the defence of their Birmingham League Premier Division title with a crushing eight-wicket defeat at the hands of West Bromwich Dartmouth.
The London Roaders, who had reeled off successive victories in the Williamson Trophy, including one against Saturday's opponents, never recovered from a nightmare start in tricky conditions as they were rolled out for just 83.
The toss was likely to prove crucial in bowler-friendly conditions and, unfortunately for skipper Rob Foster, the coin came down the wrong way with his side invited to bat.
Shrewsbury made the worst possible start when the first ball of the day saw Ed Foster bowled by Zeeshan Asif.
Ed Barnard, Steve Leach and Tom Cox all followed quickly as they were reduced to 25-4.
Rob Foster top scored with 18 as the hosts struggled to 83, Basit Zaman taking 3-2 and Asif picking up 3-18. In reply, Kadeer Ali smacked 30 from 27 balls and Zaman finished unbeaten on 31 as Dartmouth eased home by eight wickets.
Shifnal opened their Division One campaign with a win against Old Hill.
After opting to bat first Shifnal were indebted to Mohammed Ayub (34) and Jack Williams (22) for helping them past thee figures as they were dismissed for 105.
But that total proved beyond Old Hill thanks to some impressive bowling from Williams (4 for 28), Worcestershire paceman Graeme Cessford (3-19) and Jonty Mountford (2-11) that saw Old Hill shot out for 59.
Oswestry tasted success in their first ever game at this level.
Alex Huxley (33), Warrick Fynn (28) and Robbie Clarke (26) helped them battle their way to 160 against Barnards Green.
Fynn (4-39), Clarke (2-16) and overseas player Darren Papier (2-25) then combined to dismiss Barnards Green for 132.
At Wellington, the home side finished three runs short of victory against Harborne, who totalled 151-7 in 38 overs.
