Rain sees Shropshire endure Staffs defeat

The Cats were struggling when heavy rain left Staffs stranded on 117-1 at Walsall, chasing Shropshire's meagre total of 185-9.

Foxall thinks players will learn from the experience and be in better shape when the season gets underway for good next weekend.

He said: "It was disappointing. We were inconsistent with both bat and ball, but I think the game has served its purpose.

"It has given the team a run-out in outdoor conditions. It is just a tad disappointing we didn't perform better."

Bridgnorth's Ryan Lockley's knock of 38 from 61 balls was the highlight of a Shropshire's innings which struggled for momentum, after Staffordshire had won the toss and asked them to bat.

He was the second man out, with the score on 66, after fellow opener Warwick Fynn had already been dismissed.

When Omar Ali became Harding's third victim and the sixth man to depart with the score on just 92, the day was in danger of ending early.

But skipper James Ralph (24), Gurman Randhawa (33) and Jack Edwards (21) at least ensured they would set what seemed a competitive total in less than friendly cricket conditions.

That was until Staffordshire skipper Kadeer Ali and opening partner Alan Mellor got to work, scoring at 10 an over until the latter was dismissed having just reached 50.

Ben McGuire was promoted up the order to number three as the weather closed in, but was denied the chance to make an impact as the rain came.

Foxall said: "We got some runs lower down from Gurman and we felt, in the conditions, 185 might be a reasonable score.

"But their opening bats made it look very easy and put them in a strong position before the rain came and prevented them completing the victory.

"It is disappointing but if there is any stage of the season to be below par, this is it."

Shropshire open their Unicorn Trophy campaign against Cumberland on Sunday.