NCCA Counties

Theo Wylie hit an excellent century, his first for Shropshire, as the county pulled up just short in their run chase in Monday’s NV Play One Day Trophy match against Cheshire.Responding to the home side’s 329-7 at Oxton Cricket Club, Shropshire closed their 50 overs on 319-7 as Cheshire sealed victory in a high-scoring and entertaining match by 10 runs.England under-19 international Wylie struck 106, before former Derbyshire all-rounder Connor Marshall cracked an unbeaten 90 on his Shropshire debut.But Cheshire had earlier put just enough runs on the board to maintain their 100 per cent record in the 50-over competition.Boosted by the dramatic final-ball one-wicket victory over Cambridgeshire at Shifnal 24 hours earlier, Shropshire headed to Cheshire in good spirits.The home side chose to bat first and their top three were the leading contributors. Captain Sam Perry and Dan Newton (57) shared an opening partnership of 110, before Perry, who was bowled by Ben Roberts for 81 from 101 balls, put on 96 for the second wicket with Alex Money (71).Having been 231-2 at one stage, Henry Murray (37) and former Leicestershire all-rounder Harry Dearden (25) also chipped in for the hosts.But Shropshire stuck to their task well, with spinner Joe Stanley (3-66) and Worfield seamer Ravan Chahal (2-52) helping to ensure the visitors were not chasing a bigger target.Shropshire, in reply, started brightly, with Wylie, promoted to open after batting at five in the two previous games this season, and Harry Chandler (18) putting on 89 in 11.2 overs.Shropshire continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over nicely, with Wylie sharing a third-wicket stand of 53 with Bradford, which ended when Bradford was bowled by Dan Wilson (3-47) for 32 to leave Shropshire 164-3 in the 29th over.Wylie was fifth man out for 106, a fine knock which came off 96 balls, and included a six and 15 fours.Debutant Marshall, batting at six, then showed his ability, leading an unbroken eighth-wicket partnership of 63 with Lewis Evans (17no).Marshall eventually ended unbeaten on 90 from 60 balls, having hit a six and 12 fours, as he went close to helping Shropshire chase down their target.Isaac Brooks (2-48) and Dearden (2-64) were also among the wickets for Group One table-toppers Cheshire.