Shrewsbury slip up in Birmingham League title chase

Shrewsbury slipped to 28 points off the top in the Birmingham League title race after Smethwick held them to a draw.

Chasing Smethwick's 198-8, Shrewsbury fell frustratingly short on 195-9, with Ed Foster making 48.

Wendell Wagner took 6-41 as Wellington restricted Kenilworth to 177-9, but the Shropshire side were left hanging on for the draw on 97-8.

Shifnal beat Leamington in Division One, passing the home side's 199-6 thanks to Stuart Blount's unbeaten 64.

Anthony Parker (59) helped Shifnal to 200-6 for a four-wicket win.

Berkswell crushed Whitchurch by nine wickets in Division Two, after demolishing their Shropshire visitors for 101 and then cruising to 103-1.

Bridgnorth tumbled to 85 all out and an eight-wicket defeat by Ombersley (86-2), while St George's (147) stayed rooted to the foot of the table after a 27-run defeat by fellow-strugglers Tamworth (174).

Oswestry dropped into the third division relegation zone after a 142-run loss to Bablake, who rattled up 325-6, and although Alex Huxley hit a useful 64 he couldn't push Oswestry past 183.

Oswestry are now six points behind Pershore and third division safety.