Shropshire defeat Lincolnshire in Minor Counties

For almost four decades, they have been forced to survive on a diet of frustration, disappointment and under-achievement. But, after an unforgettable day at Durham, Shropshire cricket can now take their place and dine at the Minor Counties top table.

The 37-year silverware famine was ended in considerable style yesterday with a performance of ruthless professionalism which accounted for Lincolnshire in the MCCA Trophy final.

The wide victory margin - a seven wicket success with more than five overs to spare - was a fair reflection of Shropshire's dominance on a day when they made light work in chasing their victory target of 250 to win the one-day competition for the first time.

And they have been worthy winners too.

True, they have had a stroke of luck along the way, most notably in the quarter-final when they were successful in a bowl-out against Suffolk having been set a daunting 314 for victory, only for the rain to arrive at Shrewsbury.

But when Shropshire have been asked questions by Northumberland, Staffordshire, Hertfordshire and now Lincolnshire, they have always come up with the answers.

Magical

And it was a proud Ed Foster who hoisted aloft the Trophy to conclude his first year as captain in magical fashion.

Foster has introduced a renewed focus, determination and discipline to the Shropshire side this summer, leading by example throughout.

Fitting, then, that he should produce a man-of-the-match winning innings of 95 not out in the final to carry his bat and ensure he was out in the middle when his side crossed the line.

But it would be wrong not to highlight two other significant contributions which ensured the run chase was successfully completed with the minimum of fuss.

Jono Whitney's 21-ball 30 at the top of the order - which included a fine array of shots - crucially put Shropshire ahead of the required rate of five-an-over as they raced to 57-0 inside eight overs.

And Joe Leach provided Foster with invaluable support as the pair put on an unbroken stand of 139 to see their side home.

Leach arrived at the crease with Shropshire in a potentially precarious position and following the dismissal of Rob Foster, run out after a brotherly mix-up with Ed.

But he showed maturity to battle through a scratchy start to his innings and then set about dismantling the Lincolnshire attack to finish unbeaten on 67.

Shropshire's dominant batting display justified their confidence at the halfway stage after restricting Lincolnshire to 249-6 in their 50 overs.

There was some disappointment after they had, at one stage, been reduced to 125-5 before half centuries from captain Paul Cook and one-day debutant Liam Andrews provided some late impetus.

But it was a tally which still looked short of par on a decent batting strip, particularly with an incredibly short boundary on one side.

Dangerman

The day had started well for Shropshire who lost the toss, but soon claimed the wicket of dangerman Dan Birch who edged the impressive Steve Taylor to wicket-keeper Matt Tilt.

Andy Gray brought his usual control, claiming the wicket of Martyn Dobson for 33 and conceding just 29 runs in his 10 overs, while Mark Downes then took two wickets in an over - including former First Class player Mat Dowman - to keep Lincolnshire under pressure.

Cook and Andrews pushed the scoreboard along late in the innings but they never truly got away from Shropshire who, while not quite reaching the lofty fielding standards they have set this season, always maintained a tight ship.

A commanding batting display then ensured nerves were kept to a minimum and that the long wait for silverware was ended by the class of 2010.

Only time will tell whether this proves the start of a golden generation for Shropshire cricket.

But all the signs are that the first trophy for this young side won't be their last.

By James Garrison