Over 70s finish season in style with win over Sussex
Shropshire Over 70s completed their debut season in the National League with a convincing victory over Sussex at Bridgnorth CC.
It means in their first campaign they have won three games, tied another and been competitive in the majority of the other matches – an encouraging debut.
The victory over Sussex was set up by an opening partnership of 136 by John Foster (102 from 94 balls) and Martin Chambers (54 from 69).
Carlton Murray chipped in with 29 and John Hemmings closed the innings with a flurry, scoring 27 from 16. Shropshire finished on 262-5 from their 40 overs.
In reply Sussex were never up with the rate due to a tight opening eight overs from Leon Kosiuczyk, and an impressive eight overs (1-23) from master of guile and spin Andy Parkyn.
Dave Williams, John Hemmings and Geoff Bristow were the other wicket takers as Sussex closed on 211 for 4.
In their previous game, Skipper Peter Hayes starred with the bat and ball to help his side to a 37-run victory over Cricket Wales.
He made 114 not out and shared in a vital seventh wicket partnership of 108 runs with Tym Fern who made 45 not out as Shropshire recorded 204-6 from their 40 overs.
Hayes then claimed 5-17 from his eight overs in reply ripping out the North Wales top order. Dave Shaw then chipped in with 3-34 as North Wales were restricted to 167-8.
In July they were narrowly beaten by Cheshire when they travelled to Davenham CC.
Batting first, the hosts made 197-5 from their 40 overs with Hemmings claiming 2-38.
In the reply, openers Chambers (46) and Murray (30) set a platform with an 82-run opening partnership while Andy Kemp hit an unbeaten 32 and Fern 26 as Shropshire finished on 172-5.
The Over 60s were involved in a thriller when they travelled to Hirst Priory to take on Lincolnshire.
Batting first, Shropshire made 270-3 from their 40 overs with Brendan Brady hitting an impressive 156 from just 85 balls and Mo Fiaz chipping in with 53.
Lincolnshire reached their victory target with just one wicket and three balls to spare, Neil Lorimer, Brady and Hayes all taking a wicket apiece.
Fiaz hit 97 before being run out just three short of his century when the Over 60s travelled to Birlingham CC to take on Worcestershire.
Brady hit 55, Andrew Yates 20 before he retired hurt and Hayes 45 not out as Shropshire finished their 45 overs on 237-5.
In their reply, the hosts reached they victory target for the loss of four wickets, largely thanks to an unbeaten century from skipper Steve Small.
The Over 50s wrapped up their season with Adam Shimmons in remarkable form with the bat on his home ground – only to see his efforts end in defeat.
Batting first against Warwickshire at Albrighton, Shimmons opened and smashed 184 off 135 balls. Terry Hughes chipped in with 30 and Mark Jones hit 22 as Shropshire finished their 45 overs on 278-5.
Unfortunately, Warwickshire also enjoyed batting on the Albrighton track as they replied with 279-4 to claim victory in the 41st over, with Darren Shimmons claiming two wickets.