Shropshire in quarter-finals despite Cumberland defeat

Foster lifted the Trophy for Shropshire in 2010

Shropshire confirmed their spot in the quarter-finals of the MCCA Knockout Trophy, despite losing their 2011 unbeaten record to Cumberland.

Shropshire had already clinched first place in the qualifying group, and the Cumberland win takes them through too.

After being put into bat Shropshire ran up 286-6 in their 50 overs, skipper Ed Foster leading the way with 71.

Cumberland met a reset target of 119 at rainy Kendal to pip Cheshire as group runners-up via a better run-rate.

Shropshire, who won the Minor Counties Trophy by beating Lincolnshire at Durham last year, set about making it four wins out of four in the qualifiers with a no-nonsense batting performance.

Foster again showed his good form with his 71, but he was well supported by Tom Cox (60) and Anthony Parker (56 in 29 balls) - and by an unbeaten 28 from only 10 deliveries at the end from Richard Oliver.

Two efforts were made to start the Cumberland reply but rain and bad light delayed the resumption until 1815 BST when the home side were set a revised Duckworth Lewis target of 119 from 15 overs.

They achieved the win with 10 balls to spare, finishing on 122-4.

Ikram Ullah and opener James Lowe were unbeaten on 41 and 25 respectively.

Shropshire will play Cambridgeshire in the quarter-final at Wellington on Sunday 19 June, while Cumberland will travel to Berkshire.