Captain Foster shows the way with a superb ton

Foster struck a superb century as Shropshire beat Oxfordshire to make it seven wins out of eight.

Wellington was the venue for the latest success with Foster setting the perfect example after winning the toss and electing to bat.

After an early setback when Elwyn Jones was out with the score on 12, Foster was joined by wicket-keeper Alan Denver and the pair then put on 193 for the second wicket.

Denver was dismissed for 61 while Foster was adjudged leg before to the final ball of the innings after hitting 128 as Shropshire made 215-4 from their 45 overs.

Shropshire then made two early breakthroughs with Barry Jones claiming the first thanks to a neat catch by Denver, and Dave Ashlin getting the other opener lbw without a run on the board.

Ashlin then struck the vital blow when he bowled Oxfordshire skipper Ian Caunce for 29 to leave the visitors on 37-3.

He then claimed his third wicket thanks to a juggling catch by Dave Shaw and finished with impressive figures of 3-32.

But a lacklustre display in the field with a number of missed chances threatened to let Oxfordshire back in the game before Jones (2-39) struck twice in quick succession to reduce them to 138-6.

Tym Fern (2-32) and Andy Parkyn (1-37) then made sure Oxfordshire could not mount a late victory charge as they finished on 194-9.

The Over-50s needed a victory on their trip to Gloucestershire to keep their season alive.

Opening bowlers Calvin Priest (1-29 off nine overs) and Neil Lorimer (2-23) kept things tight aided by a great slip catch by Neil Salisbury and some fine work behind the stumps by Graham Trow (two stumpings and a catch).

Gloucestershire were 74-5 at the halfway point, but some resolute batting saw them finish on 199-9 despite an impressive spell from Keith Higgins (2-29, while Dave Nock also picked up a couple of wickets. Shropshire were rocked at the start of their reply as both openers fell cheaply, but Tony Parton (68) and skipper Bryan Jones (43) put Shropshire back on track.

Salisbury then hit a rapid 28, and after Parton was dismissed, Dave Nock (28 not out) and Neil Lorimer (12 off eight balls) made sure Shropshire reached their victory target with 11 balls to spare.

That victory was followed by a resounding 10-wicket success against Herefordshire, with Trow the star performer.

After restricting Herefordshire to 196-8 with Lorimer taking 3-24, Trow and fellow opener David Street saw Shropshire home with a superb 199-run opening stand. Trow ended on the day on 116 while Street made 73.