Staffordshire take the honours with win over Shropshire
Staffordshire took the honours in their clash with neighbours Shropshire in the National Counties T20 competition.
The opening match in the double-header at Leek yesterday was abandoned after a delayed start and a stoppage because of a slippery outfield with Staffordshire on 99 for four from 11.1 overs with skipper James Kettleborough (34 not out) going well.
There was then a lengthy delay before the second match got under way with further rain reducing it to a ten overs-a-side contest.
Former Derbyshire all-rounder Nils Priestley again enjoyed the reduced format as he clobbered five sixes in his 20-ball 58 which totally dominated an opening partnership of 60 with Liam Banks.
Shropshire, batting for the first time this season, looked predictably ring rusty and never threatened to get close to a target of 117 having slumped to nine for three.
Former Lancashire seamer Liam Hurt’s only over was a double wicket maiden, Sam Atkinson took two for eight in his two overs and Tom Brett two for 14 in his as Shropshire limped to 48 for seven.
Cheshire, who have yet to bowl a ball in anger, host Staffordshire at Nantwich today with Shropshire facing Cumbria at Wem.
n Warwickshire first team coach Mark Robinson admitted his disappointment after his side were blown away by Surrey in three days at Edgbaston. Surrey completed a nine-wicket win on Saturday and Robinson rued a bad hour in the morning session as wickets tumbled. “”Credit to Surrey for playing how they did. It’s a lesson to us to be that ruthless when we get into those positions,” he said.
