Shropshire's Richard Oliver: No disgrace in Birmingham Bears defeat

The minor counties team went down by 97 runs at Bridgnorth's Cricket Meadow last night but there was little disgrace in losing to a Bears team – playing under the club's Twenty20 "Birmingham" name – that was packed with international and county stars.

William Porterfield top scored with 64 as the Bears racked up 201-9, before fellow Irishman and England star Boyd Rankin claimed three wickets as the hosts were restricted to just 104-8 in reply.

The game was also notable for the return of England's Jonathan Trott to action as he fielded all 20 overs for the visiting team.

It all left Oliver in reflective mood.

"When you look at it, at the end of the day, they are different class and they are different class to some first-class counties let along minor counties," he said.

"It would have been nice to get closer so that was disappointing but you have just got to hold your hands up and say you were beaten by a really good side.

"It's been a nice occasion. Hopefully both sides benefit from it."

The skipper was proud of the way his side kept battling after being reduced to 29-5 after struggling to cope with the pace and accuracy of Rankin and Chris Wright, who also claimed three wickets.

Gurwan Randhawa hit a stubborn and unbeaten 37 to stem the flow and Oliver added: "It could have easily ended up 50 all out so the positives are Gurwan has had a really good game."

The game was watched by a 600-strong crowd and Oliver believes it will do his team no harm as they now prepare for Sunday's Unicorns clash with Cumberland.