Shropshire sides draw a blank batting

The under-12s headed to Moreton Colliery to take on Derbyshire, and after losing a couple of early wickets, looked to be on their way to a decent total.

Opener Jack Bate (Lilleshall) and skipper Will Lewin had pushed the score on to 70 when the third wicket fell.

But after Bate (32) and Lewin (41) were dismissed, only William Hartley (17) managed double figures as Shropshire slumped to 114 all out.

Derbyshire took their time in their reply with a tight opening burst by Harry Slater (1-12 from eight overs) as opener Michael Wagstaff made 44.

Shropshire juggled their attack in search of the breakthrough and eventually found the right combination with Vivian John (1-21) and Hartley (2-2) picking up wickets.

But Derbyshire claimed victory by six wickets in the 34th over. The under-14s travelled to Dunstable where they took on Bedfordshire.

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat, but a disciplined display by the Shropshire bowlers saw them dismiss Bedfordshire for 142 after 43 overs.

Siddarth Menon (3-25) and Harry Astley (3-16) were the pick of the Shropshire attack with Oliver Pygott, Henry Morris, Peter Clark and Alex Cadman all picking up a wicket each.

But in reply, Shropshire slumped to 69 all out. Only skipper Clark (25) and Cameron Watson (14) reached double figures.

Cricket Shropshire Development Officer Ed Ashlin said: "The under-14s put in a strong bowling and fielding display but were caught cold with the bat.

"It was our first game of the season so hopefully we can learn from our mistakes and rectify that for the rest of the campaign."

Shropshire's Disability Super 9s squad was also in action, taking on a strong Derbyshire side containing several ECB regional players at Market Drayton.

The hosts were bowled out for 49 having been put in with skipper Scott Winton top-scoring with 13. Derbyshire knocked off the runs without losing a wicket in quick time to avoid the rain.

Ashlin added: "Derbyshire had a lot of experience in their side and have won every game so far this season. It's all a learning process for our squad which is full on inexperienced players."