WEM skipper Sam Peate believes his side’s spirit in securing a tie against Whitchurch in the Shropshire Cricket League Premier Division meant the result felt like a win.

The Heath Road visitors needed just two from the last ball to secure the tie, but had needed just four from their last two overs to win the game.

However, Wem missed a run out to almost snatch victory and Peate, who missed the game through work, was delighted with the spirit his side showed.

“I didn’t play as I was on a course, but I saw the majority of the game,” he said.

“I think the difference at the end of the game is that we will see the tie as a win and the Whitchurch lads will see the tie as a defeat.

“For me, I think our lads showed great heart because when they needed only a few off nine balls, a lot of teams could have folded and let them get it.

“Even when they only needed two from the last over, we didn’t drop our heads and Tom Astley bowled a great six balls to keep us in it.

“In fact, the lads bowled really well throughout but our batting wasn’t up to standard – I was happy with the tie.”

Peate is now looking at getting his side’s title defence back on track with two huge clashes coming up.

He added: “It helps that we got some play in this weekend because we missed out the week before, and everyone missed out on Saturday.

“We’ve got two games, starting with Ludlow and then against Worfield, who are currently top.

“Our target is by the time of the Worfield game, we need to be at least level with them or even ahead – then it’s everything to play for.

“But for me, Saturday was nine points over everybody else because we picked up 14 from a possible 20.”