WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids were on the receiving end of a hat-trick before overcoming Shropshire by 24 runs in a NatWest T20 Blast warm-up match at Shifnal.

Shropshire opening bowler Sam Griffiths sent back County skipper Daryl Mitchell, Joe Clarke and Ross Whiteley with successive deliveries.

Worcestershire were restricted to 146-9 after batting first but Shropshire closed on 122-8.

Clarke hit four boundaries in an over from Griffiths in making 29 before he became one of his hat-trick victims.

Wickets fell at regular intervals but there were useful contributions from Mitchell Santner (26) and Matt Henry (22).

Former Worcestershire opener Richard Oliver and Steve Leach, brother of New Road vice-captain Joe, put on 42 for the first wicket.

But Oliver (21) was run-out, Steve Leach departed for the same score and four wickets fell for nine runs.

Jack McIver made 23 but two wickets apiece for Santner and Brett D'Oliveira helped ensure Worcestershire finished on top.

Mitchell said: “It was important to get a run-out in a T20 game before we start properly.

“It was a good test and I thought it was a pretty good game of cricket really. We got a lot out of it.”

Rapids open their T20 Blast campaign on Friday with a home encounter against Durham Jets (5.30pm).