Shrewsbury keep title hopes alive

Barnard hit 117 off 115 balls as the London Roaders defeated defending champions Berkswell by 39 runs.

They face table-toppers Knowle & Dorridge, inspired by record-breaking Kiwi George Worker, at home on the final day.

But Rob Stebbings’ side know they will need to win at Dorridge on Saturday to take the race to the last game.

Barnard, who recently signed an extended deal with Worcestershire, shared a stand of 124 with Olly Westbury for the second wicket as the hosts looked to set a challenging total after winning the toss and opting to bat.

Westbury made 52 and there was also a useful 47 from Tim Ward as Shrewsbury closed their 50 overs on 299-9.

Ryan Sidebottom (4-44) was the standout performer for Berkswell.

But the division’s leading wicket taker Mike Barnard soon had the visitors in trouble in their reply. Barnard, who finished with 4-71 to take his tally for the campaign to 51, removed both the Berkswell openers before the score had reached double figures.

At 125-7 the visitors were in deep trouble, but wicketkeeper Liam Gately combined with Sidebottom to frustrate the Shrewsbury bowlers.

But the chase always seemed too much and. when Gateley was ninth man out for 62, victory was in sight.

Sidebottom was left stranded unbeaten on 43 as Berkswell were dismissed for 260 off 49 overs, a result that saw Shrewsbury leap above them into second.