Over 50s at the double
Shropshire’s Over 50s 1st XI maintained their push to extend their season in the ECB 50+ Championship with a four-wicket victory over Staffordshire.
And the Over 50s 2nd XI claimed a notable scalp when they cruised to victory over North Wales.
The 1st XI hosted Staffordshire at Albrighton and Adam Shimmons used his local knowledge to wreak havoc in the visitor’s top order, claiming 4-29 from his nine overs to reduce them to 40-5 after they had won the toss and elected to bat first.
He was ably supported by Mark Downes who claimed 1-19 from his nine overs.
Staffordshire then battled hard to see out their overs, but skipper Carl Ward claimed 2-16 and three run outs as they attempted to scramble late runs saw them bowled out for 140 with four balls remaining.
Shropshire were also in early trouble as they lost both openers for just five runs, but Downes (42) and an controlled Mark Jones (54) steadied the ship to steer their side towards victory.
Although both fell before the end of the innings, Shropshire claimed the victory by four wickets in the 41stover.
The 2nd XI hosted North Wales at Oswestry, and also found themselves in the field as the visitors won the toss.
Julian Gallimore led the Shropshire attack with 3-39 while Bobby Gill picked up 2-37 and Steve Maden 2-41 as the visitors finished their innings on 243-9
A century opening partnership between Graham Trow (53) and Warwick Vaughan set Shropshire on the right course in the reply.
Vaughan went on to hit a brilliant unbeaten 104 while Rob Peel chipped in with 28 as Shropshire claimed victory with more than five overs to spare for the loss of just two wickets.
Cricket Shropshire’s Over 60s 1st XI hosted Warwickshire at Madeley and also found themselves in the field as the visitors piled up 261-8 with Keith Higgins and Neil Lorimer both claiming three wickets.
In the Shropshire reply, Martin Chambers hit 43 and John Hemmings 31 as they were restricted to 144-9.
Alan Cowdale hit an unbeaten 90 and Bluey Thomas 62 as the Over 60s 2nd XI batted first and finished their 45 overs on 207-3 against Cheshire at Wem CC.
The visitors also enjoyed the batting conditions at Soulton Road as they reached their victory target for the loss of just two wickets, both claimed by Dave Tunks.
Shropshire Over 50s 1st XI batting against Staffordshire at Albrighton.
