Ton up Fosters impress for Shrewsbury
By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle
It was a memorable day for the Foster brothers as they both cracked glorious centuries to put more daylight between Shrewsbury and the Birmingham League premier division relegation zone.
The London Roaders, who head to Kenilworth Wardens on Saturday, now sit 40 points clear of the bottom two after piling on the runs in a one-sided winning draw at home to surprise basement boys Himley.
Skipper Rob Foster hit 113 to register his first century for six years and older brother Ed, his predecessor as captain, maintained his rich vein of form with 112.
“Both us played quite well, said the captain, modestly. “To get 100 with your brother at the other end makes it extra special.
“Ed’s in great form at the moment and it was nice to get a hundred as I had not got one since a game against Halesowen in 2008 so I was well overdue.
“I’ve been close a few times, ending 80 not out when we’ve chased down totals, so it was nice to get one.”
The Fosters put on 156 for the second wicket as the runs flowed for the county towners who remain sixth in the table after claiming 17 points.
Ed shared in an opening stand of 89 with Steve Leach, first man out for 33, and he then played well in tandem with his brother.
Ed struck his 112 from as many balls, hitting a six and 12 boundaries, while skipper Rob, at No 3, helped himself to 15 boundaries on his way to making 113 from 116 deliveries.
Tom Cox then added a brisk 38 as Shrewsbury racked up an imposing total of 352-6 from their 55 overs, with Himley’s Jamie Harris plugging away to take 4-60.
Himley’s reply, in truth, never got going and, despite 42 at the top of the order from captain Greg Wright, the visitors were never likely to chase down their daunting target.
Survival quickly became the name of the game and they achieved it as they ended on 171-7.
Elliot Green, the consistent spinner, claimed 2-45 from 16 overs.
“It was pleasing to come away with 17 points and dominate the game,” added skipper Foster. “We played well although it was just a shame we couldn’t get the wickets we needed to win the game.
“We had seven or eight overs at the end needing three wickets but it didn’t quite happen.
“Sometimes you need teams to play a few shots and I was a bit surprised they didn’t attempt to go for it any stage given they are bottom of the table and need the points, but it was a big chase for them.”
Meanwhile, SHREWSBURY II are 27 points adrift at the bottom of the Birmingham League’s reserve premier division after Henry Blofield’s half century helped them secure a losing draw at Himley II.
Blofield was in good touch for 59 as Shrewsbury, who emerged with six points, closed on 160-5 in reply to Himley’s imposing 278-6 which was built around 74 from Sandeep Dillon.
Promising youngster Harry Bolland bowled tidily to claim 4-63.
Shrewsbury’s second string take on Attock II at London Road on Saturday.
