Perfect start to the season for promoted side

SHREWSBURY made a winning start to life in the top flight with a convincing 173-run victory over Knowle & Dorridge.

- By PAUL SMITH

It was always going to be tough for the visitors as the Division Two champions put on a hefty 154 for the first wicket before George Hargrave was caught by George Baines off the bowling of Nick James for 91, his total coming off 112 balls and included two 6s.

Fellow opener Peter Clark hit 80 before he was clean bowled by Freddie Fowler who also claimed the wicket of big-hitting Will Parton whose 50 came off just 42 balls.

At the end of their 50 overs, Shrewsbury had reached 287 for 5 with Neil Pinner (2 for 47) the pick of the K&D bowlers.

In reply, the visitors struggled to deal with the bowling of Finn Jones who sliced through the top order taking 3 for 26 from five overs.

They never really recovered and skipper Oliver Currill (28) and Fowler (20) were the only batsmen to trouble the scorers on their way to 114 all out.