Shropshire CCC edge day one against Oxfordshire
Shropshire captain Steve Leach and Omar Ali ensured Shropshire ended day one of the Unicorns Championship match against Oxfordshire with all wickets intact after a tricky last hour.
In reply to the visitors' 280-7 off 90 overs at Shifnal, Leach dug in for 18 and fellow opener Ali (43 not out) got through an awkward 17-over spell unscathed to end the first day on 71-0 – 209 runs behind.
Earlier Alex Wyatt, Shropshire’s towering paceman, was the pick of the home attack finishing with figures of 3-60 from 25 energy-sapping overs in the sun.
Former Leicestershire seamer Wyatt made home advantage count when steaming in on the ground he plays Birmingham League cricket for with Shifnal, completing nine maiden overs as Shropshire made the visitors work hard for runs.
David Wainwright got in on the act with a couple of wickets – including Oxfordshire top scorer Harry Smith for 67.
Shifnal all-rounders Jack McIver and Charlie Home both got a wicket apiece after Oxford won the toss and decided to make first use of the wicket, rattling up 280-7.
Leach and Ali had to endure a tricky last hour – but got through it unscathed with C&R Hawks man Ali opening his shoulders towards the end of the day with 43 from 47 balls – including eight boundaries, while skipper Leach was more circumspect with his 18 coming from 55 deliveries.
Admission to the three-day clash is free for spectators on all days. Day two starts at 11am on Monday.
