Shropshire Cricket round-up

Oswestry's promotion dreams are in tatters after their crucial showdown with Brewood turned into a nightmare.

The Morda Road men went into the third-versus-first home battle in Birmingham League division three with high hopes of a top two finish.

But it took less than four hours for a season's efforts to be wasted as Oswestry were skittled for just 76, Brewood racing to victory for the loss of just two wickets in 17 overs.

Robbie Clarke made an unbeaten 32 for the hosts – but received little support.

Indeed there were five successive ducks in the home side's innings from No 6 to 10, while last man Ian Davies managed just one.

"It was so disappointing," said club captain Mike Robinson. "We got stuck in on a bowler-friendly wicket, but we should have got a lot more than we did.

"We didn't get a point and that was unthinkable at the start of the day."

Already relegated St Georges were skittled for 92 in pursuit of 197 at Penn.

Wellington and Shrewsbury were involved in thrilling finishes in the premier division.

Wellington are now second after a one wicket victory over Walsall at Orleton Park.

Chasing 153 for victory, the hosts slumped to 28-4 and, despite 42 from Wendell Wagner and 21 from 15-year-old Ross Aucott, they were still in trouble at 110-8.

But Chris Sheperd's unbeaten 37 helped Wellington to an unlikely victory.

"We were all pleased for Chris because he is a real team man and it was great for him to win a game in that fashion," said club spokesman Terry O'Connor.

Bilal Shafayat earlier took 3-28 as Walsall were dismissed for 152.

Shrewsbury dropped down to third after tossing away the chance of victory at home to Leamington.

A below par fielding and bowling display from the hosts saw Leamington rack up 249-6 from 55 overs.

Ed Foster's 51 and 44 from Ryan Bishop gave Shrewsbury a solid start and, despite a mini collapse, the hosts looked set for victory thanks to a 106-run stand between Joe Leach and Stephen Barnard.

But, needing six to win off the last over, Shrewsbury lost Leach for 77 and Barnard for 45 off the first two balls.

And then Will Parton was run out off the last delivery to leave Shrewsbury on 248-7, and having to settle for a losing draw.

Struggling Shifnal are 19 points adrift of safety with one game to go in division one after they were beaten by seven wickets at home to leaders Berkswell.

Despite 59 from Chris Brabazon and 47 from Tom Collins, Shifnal collapsed from 114-3 to 158 all out before the visitors cruised home in the 36th over.

Already promoted Whitchurch also wasted a good position as they went down to division two leaders Ombersley, costing the north Shropshire side any chance of the title.

Richard Oliver's 68 and 48 from Simon Gregory saw Whitchurch to 110-0, but nobody else managed double figures as they were bowled out for 191 before Ombersley cruised home for the loss of three wickets.

Bridgnorth still need nine points for survival from their final game next weekend after their home clash with Old Elizabethans was abandoned due to rain.

Ryan Lockley made 50 as Bridgnorth were bowled out for 184 and the visitors were 48-1 off 12 overs when rain curtailed play at Cricket Meadow.

By JAMES GARRISON