Foster shines but Shropshire Seniors taste defeat

Cricket Shropshire’s Seniors stepped into a new era as they played their first competitive game at Over 70s level when they hosted Cheshire at Wroxeter and Uppington CC.

Opener John Foster marked the occasion with a century as Shropshire were just edged out by their rivals on the day.

He hit an unbeaten 106 as Shropshire finished their 40 overs on 189-4 with skipper Peter Hayes chipping in with 27 and Bluey Thomas 23.

The visitors reached their victory target in the 38th over for the loss of four wickets. Geoff Bristow was the pick of the Shropshire attack with 2-30 from his six overs.

Shropshire’s Over 50s will be looking for an upturn in batting fortunes and better luck with injuries after a defeat to Wales at Frankton in their opening league fixture of the season.

After being put into bat, they slumped to 93 all out with Adam Shimmons (21) and Peter Axon (19) the main contributors.

Wales knocked off the runs for the loss of one wicket.

The Over 60s will also be looking to improve their batting after defeat in their opening game of the season against Warwickshire at Wroxeter.

The visitors batted first and racked up 261 thanks to a third-wicket partnership of 198 before being bowled out in the final over of their innings. Home skipper Lol Woodhall claimed 4-27, Neil Lorimer 3-45 and Peter Hayes 3-39.

Shropshire were then dismissed for 83 with Mo Fiaz hitting 25 and Preston Fletcher finishing unbeaten on 21.