Captain's fantastic in Shropshire's Trophy win

The skipper put together an outstanding 194 opening the batting with England Under-19 star Joe Clarke, with the youngster chipping in with an unbeaten 78.

Lincolnshire won the toss and put themselves into bat first on a good looking wicket at Shrewsbury Cricket Club, running up a respectable target of 252-7 from their 50 overs.

Opener Akhil Patel's 52 was built on by No 4 Jonathan Cheer's 60, but they were kept at bay by a good display by wicket-keeper Anthony Parker and bowler Dan Bowen, in the side through injury.

Oswestry's Bowen had to step up because of a rib injury to Ben Sanderson, as a like-for-like right arm seamer, and made an impression on play.

He battled to see off late order arrivals Alex Osmond and Matthew Sargeant, registering figures of 2-60 against an experienced batting attack.

Parker chipped in by taking three catches himself, his intervention accounting for Patel, Cheer and Ross Carnelly.

Adam Shepherd added 10 not out as the visitors ran out of balls, and hosts Shropshire took little time to make inroads into the victory target.

Oliver was building up a tidy reply despite partner Ed Foster departing for two on his home ground, caught by Conrad Louth off Matthew Carter.

The skipper shrugged off that setback and set about savaging the bowling, with what was a fabulous knock to put them within sight of success.

He made his incredible score off just 82 balls, hitting 16 fours and seven sixes as he took no time at all to make a significant dent in the target required.

He was eventually dismissed by Carter with 150 just two runs away, but his future legend had already been cemented.

He was ably assisted by Clarke, who remained unbeaten off 103 balls, hitting seven fours on the way.

Shropshire reached the line after that but could afford to lose another four wickets, reaching the required target with 10 overs to spare.

Tom Cox left for two from Shepherd with Omar Ali out for a duck courtesy of Osmond. Rob Foster (4) went leg before wicket from Sargeant, before Parker was caught out for one by Tom Brooks.

Clarke had the last say by whacking the ball that ensured Shropshire walked away with the win, next travelling to Newcastle to take on Northumberland in the competition on Sunday.

By Craig Birch