Shropshire secured a nine-wicket victory over Wiltshire in the opening game of their 2010 MCCA Championship Western Division season.

Rain held them up on the final day, but late on they bowled out their hosts before knocking off the 54 runs needed with just 14 balls to spare.

"Wiltshire really dug in near the end, but our bowlers never gave up," captain Ed Foster told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"If we keep performing like this, then we'll certainly be in with a chance."

Foster highlighted the bowling performances of Andy Gray, Steve Taylor, Dan Bowen and his own brother Rob for restricting Wiltshire to 117 in their first innings.

Wiltshire dug in near the end and set about taking as much time as they could without taking risks Shropshire captain Ed Foster

Shropshire declared on 393-4 in reply with new professional Chris Murtagh hitting a century.

Wilshire reached 329 in their second innings and it looked as if the wet weather could save them from defeat before Foster's side clinched their victory.

"Wiltshire dug in near the end and set about taking as much time as they could without taking risks, but we kept going with Andy Gray tireless in getting them out," Foster added.

Shropshire were the only winners in the first round of three-day games in the Minor Counties programme, meaning they top the Western division.

Result:

At South Wilts CC: Wiltshire 117 and 329, Shropshire 393-4 declared and 54-1. Shropshire won by nine wickets.

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