CHESHIRE closed their Minor Counties campaign with a defeat to Shropshire.

The defending champions went down by 210 runs at Whitchurch in a rain-affected clash but, having won their past two matches, the manner of the defeat was hard to take for captain Andy Hall.

He said: "I'm very disappointed. We batted poorly and the players know we should have done much better."

With the first day's play washed out due to the rain, the second only started mid-afternoon. Cheshire lost the toss, and Shropshire posted a commanding 351-6 overnight from just 75 overs.

Both captains agreed to forfeit an innings to make sure there was a chance of a result, leaving Hall's men chasing 391 to win.

All-rounder Jason Whittaker top-scored with a defiant 50 as Cheshire looked to save the game, but once he was dismissed hopes of a draw disappeard.

Cheshire closed on 180 all out. But Hall remained optimistic looking ahead to next season.

He said: "It's disappointing to lose in the manner we did, but there have been plenty of positives this season.

"A lot of young players have impressed me."

Cheshire's Minor Counties crown goes to Devon, who won all of their matches.