Foster & Co warm up with Twenty20 boost

Shrewsbury warmed up for one of the biggest weekend's in the club's history by landing their first piece of silverware of the season.

The hosts ran out comfortable winners of the Salop Leisure Twenty20 Knockout on Sunday to cement their place as the leading side in Shropshire.

And that provided the perfect fillip ahead of Saturday's Birmingham League premier division title decider at Kidderminster.

Shrewsbury were only forced to win one match to lift the trophy after their scheduled semi-final opponents St Georges withdrew because of a failure to raise a team.

"That was a bit annoying but it was nice to win this competition again," said Shrewsbury skipper Ed Foster.

The final against premier division rivals Wellington proved a one-sided affair with Wellington bowled out for just 93.

Australian Paul Donaldson, who managed just three overs before being hit by injury in the league victory over Wolverhampton 24 hours earlier, took 4-17 while Elliott Green finished with 3-20.

And the outcome was never in doubt with Shrewsbury cruising home inside eight overs.

Ryan Bishop top scored with an unbeaten 36 while Rob Foster made 29 and Will Parton was unbeaten on 28 against his former club.

The semi-final between Wellington and Shifnal was a significantly tighter affair.

Flying starts from Steve Lamb and Gerhard Strydom, who were both out in their 40s, helped Wellington post a target of 153.

Shifnal looked well placed to seal victory on 100-2 with Anthony Parker making 56 and Stuart Blount 42.

But Wellington skipper Anthony O'Connor took three quick wickets and Shifnal fell eight runs short on 145-9