Cheshire fightback for Shropshire draw

NCCA Clubberly Championship - Western Division 2

Shropshire 312-9 (90 overs) & 122-2 (28 overs), Cheshire 226 81.5 overs). Match drawn

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Bad weather across all three days of Cheshire's first Championship game had the ultimate say as Dave Wainwright's side drew with Shropshire at Whitchurch.

With so much time taken out of the game, a draw was almost inevitable although Cheshire had to battle hard on the final morning to avoid the follow-on. Sam Grant (69) and Andy Dufty (11*) added 72 for the tenth wicket - a record against Shropshire.

Cheshire started the day on 110-7 with work to do to reach the 163 follow-on target and at 154-9, the pressure was on. Ultimately, after early rain had accounted for 20 overs, Grant and Dufty took Cheshire to 226. Shropshire then had little option to bat out the day, finishing on 122-2.

Earlier Shropshire dug in deeply to compile 312-9 from their 90 overs, Amrinder Brar made 61, Harry Chandler 57 and Ollie Parton 47, with Dufty taking 4-81 and Grant 3-62.

Cheshire struggled with their reply as Chester's George McCormick, in Shropshire colours, led the attack with 5-33, and Ben Roberts 3-43.

Ed Wade made 26 on debut but it was Luke Young (44) and Wainwright (34) who applied the brakes. A  painstaking 69 run eighth wicket partnership - highlighting the benefits of 'time batting' - turned things round. That Cheshire managed to use up most of their over quota was significant on the outcome.

Cheshire can take encouragement from the fight back and look forward to hosting Wiltshire at Alderley Edge next weekend, Sunday - Tuesday, 27-29 July. 

Shropshire 11 points, Cheshire 10 points