An exciting finish to an entertaining match saw the Shropshire County Cricket League Representative XI emerge winners by two runs against Shropshire’s Academy side at Whitchurch.
Responding to the League side’s 251-9, the Academy team, despite half centuries from Ben Lees and Matty Simmonds, pulled up just short of their target as they closed on 249-9.
Academy coach Dave Nock said: “It was an excellent game of cricket played in a fantastic spirit between two equally matched teams.
“It gave us an opportunity to take a look at the players on the League side, as well as also providing a chance to watch our own players in action for the academy once again.
“All credit to the League side on their victory in what was a very exciting match.”
The League side batted first in Sunday’s friendly and totalled 251-9 from their 50 overs.
Whitchurch’s Andy Jones, playing at his home club ground, top scored with 63, with other useful contributions from Chelmarsh’s Connor Glendinning (40), Wellington’s Dan Lloyd (34) and Whitchurch’s Elliott Bowen (31).
Worfield spinner Matt Rees claimed 3-29 while Luke Thornton (2-34) and his Shrewsbury team mate Lewis Evans (2-36), the academy captain, were also among the wickets.
Shropshire Academy ended just short of their target on 249-9, despite the best efforts of Lees and Simmonds.
The promising Bridgnorth team mates, who have both played regularly for Shropshire’s first team this season, put on 71 for the fourth wicket, before Lees was out for 62 and Simmonds for 55.
Thornton (27) and Wellington opener Matt Lamb (21) also weighed in with the bat.
All-rounder Lloyd, who has represented Shropshire in both Championship and one-day cricket, completed a good day’s work for the League XI by taking 4-44, with Ludlow’s Joe Williams claiming 2-46.
Pictured: Ben Lees, left, and Matty Simmonds both hit half-centuries for Shropshire’s Academy side as they lost narrowly by two runs to the Shropshire County Cricket League Representative XI.