Cricket: County juniors edge cup thriller
Staffordshire suffered an early setback when Leek's Tom Steele was dismissed second ball.
But Wolverhampton's Amritpal Singh (62) provided the backbone to the innings as the county recovered to 154-8 from their 40 overs.
In reply, Shropshire eased to 48-0 from 12 overs before the introduction of the Staffordshire spinners started to turn the tide.
Steele and Audley's Tom Perkin bowled unchanged for 16 overs at a cost of just 47 runs, while claiming two wickets.
At 95-2, from 28 overs, Shropshire were still in a dominant position, but fell 14 runs short on 141-7.
The result ensures that should Staffs win one of their remaining two games – against either Worcestershire or Warwickshire – they will progress through to the national quarter-final stage.
The under-13s face international opposition tomorrow when they take on South African touring side Khosa Sports Club at Moddershall (2pm).
The under-11s play Warwickshire at Berkswell on Tuesday (1pm), while the under-12s are away to Leicestershire on Thursday (1pm).
The under-13s take on Worcestershire at Moddershall on Wednesday (1pm) and, on the same day, the under-17s are away to Warwickshire in a two-day game.
The under-16s play a two-day fixture against Leicestershire at Tamworth from Monday (11am).
On Thursday, Staffordshire girls under-17s play Cheshire at Wistaston (2pm).
BEN McGuire's proposed transfer to Burslem has been called off after Nottinghamshire academy refused to release him from his contract.
NORTH Staffs and South Cheshire League Division One pace-setters Elworth continued their progress in the Cheshire Cup by defeating Grappenhall by 31 runs in the fourth round.
HEM Heath play Checkley in the Stone Charity Cup Final at Stone on Tuesday and Wednesday, starting at 6.15pm on both nights.
STAFFORD Prep School defeated Carmountside Primary in the final of the Staffordshire Girls Kwik Cricket Competition.
Medals were presented by England women's cricketer Danielle Wyatt.
THE Staffordshire Groundsman's Association has been busy planning a number of events aimed at supporting groundsmen in the development and maintenance of their facilities.
The first Groundsman's Workshop is on pitch care tips and is being held at Bignall End on July 14.
Staffordshire's ECB pitch adviser Leigh Paulley will be offering advice and guidance.
The cost of the workshop is £5 and starts at 6.30pm. For more details, contact Stuart Williamson on (01782) 614457.
Anyone wishing to become a member of STAG should contact Jerry Young at jerry_young43@yahoo.co.uk.
The cost of membership is £10 per club per annum or £2 per annum for individual members.
Comment on this story