Shropshire ease to Wiltshire win

Centuries from Ed Foster and Chris Murtagh set Shropshire up for a nine-wicket victory over Wiltshire in their Minor Counties Championship opener at South Wilts CC.

Despite winning the toss, the hosts managed just 117 in the first innings as Andy Gray took 4-22 and Stephen Taylor 3-34.

In response, Shropshire turned the screw as Foster's 120 and an unbeaten 126 from Murtagh helped them declare on the second morning on 393 for five - a lead of 276.

Wiltshire made a better attempt at batting at the second time of asking as Steve Bullen recorded his maiden century with a knock of 103 amid the rain breaks, forming solid partnerships with Jo Breet and Michael Coles to reach 329 late on the final day.

That left Shropshire needing just 54 to win in nine overs, which they achieved for the loss of one wicket in 6.4 overs. They took 24 points to Wiltshire's one.