BARNT Green Cricket Club First XI set up a National Knockout third round clash with Birmingham and District Premier Division rivals Wellington after a close six-run victory against Shrewsbury.

Green, yet to bowl a ball in their first two league matches, posted 169-7 and looked in danger of defeat before closing the game out.

A relieved Lyndon Jones, who took his side to the final two years ago, acknowledged his side were a little fortunate.

He said: "I've got to admit that we weren't great at some areas of the game but Shrewsbury are a better side this year after a couple of signings and played well.

"Our character was put to the ultimate test and we showed a lot of spirit to pull the game round and hold our nerve. To lose at the first hurdle would've been disastrous, because were really keen to repeat the run of 2002."

Put in to bat on a damp wicket, Green battled against accurate bowling and keen Shrewsbury fielding.

Simon Froggatt top scored with 48 and featured in partnerships with Matt Dallaway (33) and Richard Illingworth (23).

A late assault in the closing overs by Adam Smith (20 not out) boosted the score to 169-7 from 45 overs. Jon Anders (3-20), James Gale (1-23) and Rob Foster (2-30) were the pick of the bowlers.

The visitors flew out of the blocks, their reply reaching 50 in the 11th over. The scoring rate slowed as the field restrictions ended and the slower bowlers introduced.

However, Shropshire county batsmen Duncan Bowett (54) and Guy Home (20) put Shrewsbury in command with 30 needed from six overs.

The game turned on the dismissal of Home by opening bowler James Golding. Green attacked and the pressure told as Golding (3-31), Illingworth (2-18) and Jones (2-31) chipped away at the Shrewsbury order, leaving them needing 14 off the last over. Despite a valiant effort, they were six runs short.