Middle order puts Shropshire in control
Impressive middle order batting performances put Shropshire in a strong position in their second Unicorn Championship Western Division game of the season.
On the back of their 10-wicket victory over Dorset, Karl Krikken's side headed to Aston Rowant looking to continue their impressive start to the new campaign.
After winning the toss, captain Steve Leach began the three day encounter by putting his side into bat.
But openers Richard Oliver (28) and Leach (21) found life tough in difficult batting conditions with Shropshire eventually falling to 64-4.
A knock of 39 from David Wainwright steadied the ship with James Ralph (33) and Ross Aucott (55) then putting on 88 for the sixth wicket to give Krikken's men a more solid footing.
A fine 30 from tailender Alex Wyatt then saw Shropshire end their first innings – following a brief rain delay – on 264 all out.
In reply, Oxfordshire ended the first day's play on 38-3, with a second rain delay forcing play to be stopped early – meaning the clash will resume early at 10.30am today.
Opener Hugo Derby remains at the crease on 18 not out. But Sam Griffiths forced the early wickets of Harrison Ward (7) and Michael Beard (7) to get to the close of play with figures of 2-20.
Wyatt then got in on the act by bowling Lloyd Sabin for a duck. Chairman of selectors Brian Foxall told of how Shropshire ended the day pleased with their day's work.
He said: "It was tough for the batsmen but Wainwright, Ralph and Aucott have put us in a good position.
"We would have liked a few more but the wicket is slow and if the weather hold out we've given ourselves a good chance."
