Against all odds, Oswestry pulled off a shock win over high flying Tamworth in the Birmingham & District Premier Cricket League Division One on Saturday.

Already without key players Joe Carrasco and Roman Walker, skipper Robbie Clarke was forced to make further late changes, but his severely depleted team showed tremendous spirit to overcome the Staffordshire side who had won their first six games of the season.

A brilliant spell of spin bowling by Warrick Fynn, who finished with 7-20 from 12.4 overs after he opened the bowling, was well supported by Rituraj Singh (2-41) saw the home side routed for just 70 in the 26th over, chasing a target of just 152.

In so doing, Oswestry collected maximum points, and moved a further two places up the table to alleviate any early relegation fears.

Clarke's decision to open the attack with the South African-born all-rounder proved to be an inspired choice.

Fynn – called up to the county side earlier in the week – together with the dangerous, Singh ripped through the early home batting on a pitch that offered scant assistance to the bowlers.

Tamworth were reduced to 35-5 and with the prolific Stuart Burrows gone, they never recovered. They lost their last five wickets for an additional 35 runs, as Oswestry drove home their advantage, which has not always been a feature of their play this season.

Victory for the Morda Road side would not have been possible but for a fine innings by wicket keeper Dean Suter, promoted to open the batting in place of the unavailable Carrasco.

Suter seized his opportunity with both hands, compiling an invaluable 69, which included 10 fours off 110 balls , before being stumped.

Earlier, Fynn had batted well for 28 before going for an inexplicable second run and suffering the consequences.

Charlie Morris (18) and the undefeated Ian Davies (10) were the only other Oswestry players to reach double figures.

A total of 151 always looked below par, that was until Fynn and Singh began to weave their web, bowling Oswestry to a memorable victory.

Robbie Clarke was full of praise for his side as they showed the spirit needed to maintain their spot in Division One.

He said: “We let ourselves down the previous week, but showed a lot of character in bouncing back, with a number of the lads away. We now need to follow this up with a win over Leamington.”

All rounder Roman Walker is likely to return for Saturday’s home game, following his 12th man duties for the Glamorgan's first XI as the teenager's reputation grows.

Clarke is hoping brother Joe might be released by Worcestershire to play, with the Pears having a rest day between their two T20 clashes on Friday and Sunday.

Meanwhile, Oswestry's second XI enjoyed an entertaining game with the C & R Hawks in the Reserve Division, but in the end had to settle for a draw on a glorious afternoon at the Stonehouse Oval.

Chasing a total of 280, the home side closed on 213-5, with the 3 Joshes all amongst the runs. Josh Coleridge (35) and Josh Kirk (52) both scored freely, only to get out when set, leaving Josh Darley to continue the fight.

The young opener was finally dismissed for a watchful 76, once again underlining his promise. Nick Williams was the pick of the Oswestry bowlers, with a return of 3-48 while Kirk bagged 2-45.

Oliver Gadd was the pick of the visiting batsmen as he scored 69.

Oswestry Thirds gained a thrilling two-wicket victory over north Shropshire rivals Coton Hall.

Chasing a total of 223 off 40 overs, veteran, Dave Shaw, rolled back the years with a fine undefeated 70.

There were also useful contributions from youngsters Max Oakley and Josh Darley, who did well with the ball, as did Olly Roberts.

On Saturday, the first XI will host Leamington at Morda Road for a 12pm start while the second XI will make the trip to Newport for a 12.30pm start.

The third XI will host Beacon thirds at Oswestry School, for a 1pm start.