For their third Championship match of the season, selection proved to be a real problem for Shropshire. With most of the Shifnal players disappointingly unavailable, there were six changes from the team which lost to Cornwall. Brothers Ed and Rob Foster came in for their first Championship matches of the season, whilst Jack Shantry returned. Leaq Rehman came in, and was joined by James Gale, playing his first match for two seasons. Late changes saw Michael Barnard make his county debut, and Adam Shimmons return.

Rain on the first two days meant that no play was possible, despite the heroic efforts of the Bridgnorth groundstaff. Indeed, the ground resembled a lake in mid afternoon on Monday, and at that stage play on the final day appeared very unlikely. However, further efforts on Tuesday morning meant that play was able to start on time.

With the match now reduced to one innings per side, visiting skipper Richard Bedbrook won the toss and predictably asked Shropshire to bat. The format of the game allowed Shropshire to bat a minimum of 60 overs, and they got off to a bad start, losing Ed Foster, run out without facing a ball with no runs on the board. Brother Rob joined John Maunders, and they slowly rebuilt the innings before Maunders played too early at a ball from Dudley Graham to be caught behind for 30. Atiq Rehman joined Foster, and they batted positively, compiling a stand of 124 to set up a reasonable target. Rehman was particularly aggresive hitting 74 in 86 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes before being caught behind. Foster (68) anchored the innings, and there were cameo performances from Jamie Ralph, Jack Shantry and Ted Bayliss before Ralph declared on 239 for 7 from 54 overs, leaving Wiltshire 46 overs to claim victory.

Early wickets were vital if Shropshire were to have any chance of winning, and they were given some hope when Eddie Abel played on to Adam Shimmons. However Simon Macey (48), Jaydon Levitt (33) and Richard Bedbrook (49*), ensured that Wiltshire gained a draw, as they finished on a disappointing 176 for 4.

With rain affecting all the other Western Division matches, Shropshire ended the third round of Championship matches in joint second place, still in with a chance of winning the Division, although 18 points behind current title holders Cheshire.

A special thanks should be recorded to the Bridgnorth club, who defied the atrocious weather to enable the teams to play on Tuesday.

Umpires             H Evans and M Browm

Scorers              CLW Barthorpe and S Rice