Hargrave is hot stuff as Shrews surge up league

SHREWSBURY’S rise up the table continued as they chalked up a 73-run victory at a Barnt Green side who last tasted victory in the Birmingham and District Premier League at the start of July.

- By DAVID LAWRENCE

Former Shropshire ace George Hargrave was the catalyst as he smashed 135 off just 98 balls, which included ten fours and ten sixes.

He was supported by Rhodri Evans (41) while Seb Scott was still there at the end unbeaten on 43 as Shrewsbury made 274 all out. Robbie Shurmer (3-35) and Jacques Banton (2-26) were the pick of the bowlers.

The home side soon fell behind the run rate with opener Ed Pollock (47) the only batter to make any impression against some tidy bowling as they were skittled out for 201.

Harry Darley took 1-14 from six overs but the main wicket-takers were Sam Whitney (4-45) and Peter Clark (3-34).

Shrewsbury are now clear in third place, 19 points adrift of leaders Smethwick, who racked up the runs on their way to victory against Barnards Green.

Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Black Country side made 338 for six from their 50 overs, inspired by Indian all-rounder Deepak Khatri, who hit a magnificent 152 off 91 balls, a total that included 15 fours and eight sixes.

There was a useful 61-run knock from Viken Kedariya, with the bighitters putting on 110 for the fourth wicket. Chris Steele took two wickets.