Shropshire defeated in Minor Counties match
Shropshire today admitted the first day was where the game was lost after defeat at home to Herefordshire was confirmed in less than two hours.
Defeat for the county by 260 runs in the Minor Counties Championship Western Division was confirmed just after midday at Shifnal on the final day.
The hosts were nine behind after the first innings on Sunday, all out for 143 after failing to match Herefordshire's 152.
They then watched in horror on day two as the visitors made 364-9 from unlimited overs, declaring in the 97th. Shropshire made 67-1 before the end, but collapsed for 113 inside 41 overs on day three.
Coach Karl Krikken said: "The first day killed us, after bowling a good side out you should be looking to go for the 300 mark and turn the screw. To end up still behind made it so difficult.
"The bowlers for the second innings didn't have the time to rest before giving it another go, they capitalised and we now paid the price."
Batsman James Ralph added: "We know the game was won and lost in the first innings, the bowlers have put in a superhuman display there to bowl a good side out on a relatively flat track.
"If we had got a 100 lead there, it would have been a very different game. To finish behind them after the first innings was a bit criminal, really."
The majority of the wickets fell straight after the first drinks break, as their second innings ended swiftly on day three.
The county were 112-6 when stopping for refreshments, but endured a disastrous return to play. They added just another one through last batsman Ed Green.
As a result, Shropshire claimed just four points and suffered their second straight defeat in the league, after defeat in Wales earlier this month. Herefordshire took 20 for their total.
Adrian Evans left first for 23 just two overs into the third day's play, caught lbw by Will Barrett as he continued his stand from yesterday.
Partner Joe Carrasco made 47 before he caught by Joe Dodd, James Ralph out for a duck through a catch from Dan Conway. Gurman Randhawa was caught by Barrett for 10.
Ross Aucott (6) was caught and bowled by Conway, before disaster after drinks with ducks for Neil Saker, Ben Sanderson and Sam Griffiths. Captain Anthony Parker had added seven.
Conway did most of the damage with the ball with figures of 4-16, supported by Brad Wadlan's 3-38 and Barrett's 4-31.
