Shrewsbury showed they mean business in the Birmingham League First Division promotion chase with a 177-run thrashing of Sutton Coldfield.

Playing his 100th game for the club, Rob Foster hit 71 in a total of 227-6, backed by Wayne Merrick (45) and Ed Foster and Dan Reece, with 44 apiece.

Jack Shantry and Tom Allen then took three wickets each as Sutton were skittled for 50.

Shrewsbury now have 239 points, eight clear of second-placed Bromsgrove.

But, with five games left, and only two promotion places available, Shrewsbury, who host neighbours Wellington next week, have a fairly comfortable 23-point cushion over third-placed Old Hill.

In the games to beat the weather elsewhere, Wellington lost to Stratford.

And, in Division Two, Newport got a winning draw against Aston Manor.

In Division Three, Oswestry had cause to actually thank the weather for escaping defeat at Whitchurch.

After being bowled out for just 103 at Whitchurch, their hosts were 68-0 when the heavens opened.

In the Shropshire Premier League Reman's beat Wem by three wickets to pull ahead of rain-frustrated Albrighton.

Wem made 101 (Shane Gwilt 3-17, Phil Caudell 3-30), but Reman reached 103-7 to secure a maximum 21 points.

The Shropshire League also had the first tie of the season, between Shelton and Welshpool.

Other results:

Much Wenlock 192-8. Albrighton 42-1. Rain stopped play. Albrighton 10pts, Much Wenlock 9 pts

Newtown 127-3 v Ludlow. Rain stopped play. 7pts each.

Broseley 169-7 v Madeley. Rain stopped play. Madeley 9pts, Broseley 8 pts.

Quatt 183-4. Bomere Heath 41-2. Rain stopped play. Quatt 10pts, Bomere Heath 8 pts.