Mo so close to ton for Over 60s
Mo Fiaz was agonisingly run out just short of his century when Shropshire Over 60s took on Staffordshire at Shelton CC.
His innings was part of a solid effort with the bat for Shropshire as they finished their 45 overs on 233-5 after being put in when the visitors won the toss.
Unfortunately, it didn’t quite prove enough as Staffordshire claimed victory by six wickets.
Opener John Foster made 38 and Mo then combined with Neil Salisbury in a 113-run partnership for the third wicket before the Shelton man was out for 51. Angus Little then chipped in with 25 before Mo was run out as he tired on 97.
The home side’s push for early wickets failed to materialise and Staffs reached their victory target with five overs to spare – Keith Higgins the pick of the bowlers with 1-26.
The Over 60s 2nd XI also found themselves batting first when they travelled to Widnes to take on Cheshire with 10 men following a late withdrawal.
Openers Andrew Yates (65) and Ed Nicholas (58) then put on 124 for the first wicket in 23 overs to give Shropshire an excellent start.
Ian Ramsay chipped in with an unbeaten 38 and Dave Shaw finished 20 not out as Shropshire reached 210-5 after their 40 offers – reduced from 45 due to a shower just before the start of the game.
With the Cheshire left-handed opener exploiting gaps in the field, Shropshire then suffered a setback when Shaw picked up an injury at the end of his second over and couldn’t continue.
But skipper Geoff Bristow juggled his attack with Phil Aston picking up two wickets and some superb fielding and wicket-keeping from Mike Sanders kept the game in the balance.
Cheshire finally got over the line in the 38th over for the loss of five wickets and Shropshire earned six valuable points
The Over 50s 2nd XI struggled when they travelled to Harborne to take on Warwickshire, being bowled out for 113 with Rich Barge hitting 33, Phil Snape 26 and skipper Steve Maden 29.
The Bears reached their target for the loss of just one wicket.