Theo Wylie hits his first Shropshire century in high-scoring Trophy defeat against Cheshire
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.
Shropshire team manager Dave Cartledge said: "Over 300 is a big chase, but it was a really good ground to play cricket on. A good pitch, a fast outfield, so we thought we had every opportunity of getting really close or getting the runs we needed.
"I have to say that we batted exceptionally at times and caused a confident side that have scored more than 300 runs in three games in a row problems.
"There were two particularly good innings, Theo's at the start, and then Connor's. Theo played some fantastic shots early on, took the game to them, and it will have done him the world of good.
"Connor had an excellent debut as he also bowled really well, but I thought everybody bowled well as they were under a lot of pressure as Cheshire came out playing shots."
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.
The result, Shropshire's second defeat from three group games, leaves them third in the table ahead of Sunday's long trip to Sudbury to face Suffolk, their final game in Group One of the 50-over competition.
"We'll definitely be going to Suffolk wanting to win," added Cartledge. "I think there will be a few changes to the side through unavailability, so that gives other people a chance and hopefully they can take it."
