Richard Oliver's heroes book final slot

The Cats' 13-run semi-final triumph over Hertfordshire at Harpenden Cricket Club ensures they remain in contention for both league and cup honours this season – having now won nine consecutive matches in all competitions.

It also capped a very busy eight days for the squad, which overcame Oxfordshire in the Minor Counties Championship over three days last week, moving them to the top of the Western Division.

That was followed by the club's annual fundraising Resource Bank Challenge Match on Thursday and Saturday cricket for their respective clubs prior to yesterday's semi-final.

Oliver hinted that there may have been an element of fatigue as Shropshire were pushed very close in the end having taken a commanding position with just under 11 overs to go.

Shropshire had set a formidable total of 285-6 with, Tom Cox hitting an unbeaten 84, and victory had looked assured when Nicholas Lamb was removed for three with the hosts on 184-9.

An unbeaten last-wicket stand of 88 between George Scott and Simon White then set up a tense finish but Shropshire managed to get over the line.

Oliver said afterwards: "We made hard work of it but there were a lot of tired legs out there. It has been a long week.

"When we finished that three-dayer at Banbury we then had the invitational on Thursday and we all played club cricket on Saturday.

"To come out of it the way we did was just sensational. The boys turned up with a clear goal of what we had to do, stuck to our guns and got what we came for.

"To give the commitment that the boys have shown, particularly in the last week, is absolutely magnificent."

Shropshire face Berkshire in the final on August 28.