Just seven days after their stunning victory, Oswestry came down to earth with a bump when they crashed to a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of their Birmingham rivals, Shrewsbury in the return fixture at London Road.

The home side were at their best, taking full revenge for their surprise loss at Morda Road the previous week.

In the absence of skipper Warrick Fynn, Roman Walker and Alex Huxley, Oswestry made a promising start following the early loss of opener, Matty Richards.

Youngsters Josh Darley and Alex Roberts had taken the score board to 57-1 before Darley (23) was trapped LBW by off spinner, Peter Clarke.

Roberts (24) fell shortly afterwards to Clarke, caught by James Coggins.

Wickets continued to tumble with Chris Catherall, promoted in the order, the only Oswestry batsman to show any real resistance.

Teenager, Kieran Oakley had to retire after taking a nasty blow from Ellis before the Bordermen were finally bowled out in the 40th over for just 121.

Catherall remained unbeaten on a well made 31 on 44 balls.

Ellis and Clarke took three wickets apiece for the home side with seamer George Amphlett finishing with 2-19.

Shrewsbury, in reply, soon lost skipper Parton who was caught by Richards off the bowling of Ben Roberts, but Oswestry’s success was short lived.

George Hargrave and Clarke, who were both dropped early on, made the most of their fortune and steered Shrewsbury to victory in just 19 overs.

Oxford Blue, Hargrave, who scored a century in the Varsity match last season, finished unbeaten on 49.

Clarke, man of the match, was 56 not out at the end.

For Oswestry, young prospect Alex Selby again impressed, sharing responsibility for the new ball and conceding only 13 runs off his six lively overs.

Oswestry face another tough away day on Saturday when they travel to Shifnal.

Meanwhile, Oswestry's second XI lost to Sentinel by 42 ruins at Morda Road, with Sam Davies's 49 the pick of the performances.

On Sunday, their third XI beat Ellesmere's thirds in a mini-derby.