Shropshire Cricket League Premier Division

WHITCHURCH are in sixth spot in the Shropshire Cricket League Premier Division after they were beaten by the heavy rains that fell on the county throughout the week.

Daniel Bowen’s men were set to host Madeley at Heath Road but were unable to get the ground ready but Friday’s rain meant they were unable to get out on the field.

They sit one point behind Wellington in fifth spot and will still harbour ambitions of catching Newport in fourth spot but only picked up five points.

Chairman Iain Marsh admitted the committee and members were devastated not to get the game on, but insisted the right decision was made because of the weather.

He said: “We had more rain on Friday than I’ve ever seen.

“We here at Whitchurch don’t call off games too lightly but the weather was so bad.

“The wicket and square was completely under water so there was no chance of getting any play in.

“We spoke to Madeley on Friday as we called it off at 7.45pm on Friday night.

“We emailed the league with pictures of how bad the square was and Madeley had the option of travelling which they didn’t choose to take up.

“It’s disappointing because we wanted to keep up our recent good form – we’ve just had two wins running and it’s ahead of a run of tough games against Quatt, Wellington and Wem.

“Also, I was delighted to see our third XI won on Sunday with a team of kids – no-one over the age of 17 which is brilliant.”

Meanwhile, the second XI were beaten on the road in a thriller at Broseley first XI in the Shropshire County Cricket League Division Five on Saturday.

Batting first, Broseley finished on 177-90 from their 40 overs while in reply,Whitchurch were bowled out for 166.

On Sunday, the third XI beat Cound’s third string at home once the rains had subsided at Heath Road.

The home side, skippered by George Cadman, won the toss and opted to bat first and while no-one went on to make a high score, all of the home batters all made starts and contributions.

Opener Tom Griffin scored 29 from 34 balls before he was run out by Chris Campbell while Joshua Sugden scored 21 from 23 balls, with four fours, finishing as next top scorer.

James Marvell (20) and Alex Ratheram (18) also weighed in as Whitchurch were bowled out for 166.

In reply, Griffin starred with the ball as he took 3-13 as the sixth-change bowler, with Cadman giving all of his fielders a bowl, as Cound were dismissed for 138.