Ed barnard

Ed Barnard and Joe Leach return for Walmley’s visit

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

ENGLAND under-19 prospect Ed Barnard is in line to return to the Shrewsbury side for Saturday’s home clash against Walmley in the Birmingham Cricket League’s premier division, writes STUART DUNN.

Barnard, who helped English finish third in the under-19 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates earlier this year, has been ruled out of most of the London Road club’s games this season owing to Shrewsbury School commitments.

The gifted all-rounder hit 84 on his first appearance of the season for Worcestershire’s 2nd XI against Warwickshire last week, putting on 141 for the sixth wicket with former Shropshire captain Richard Oliver who cracked a remarkable, unbeaten 292.

Now skipper Rob Foster is looking forward to welcoming Barnard back into his plans against Walmley as Shrewsbury look to build on last weekend’s excellent 147 run victory at Walsall.

Foster said: “I’m pretty sure Ed should be available most Saturdays now depending on England under-19s schedule.”

Foster is also waiting to see if Joe Leach can figure having been on County Championship duty for Worcestershire against Glamorgan earlier this week.

Should both Barnard and Leach be available, it will present Shrewsbury with a welcome selection headache as they target a run of wins to lift them up from their current position of eighth.

Foster, delighted with the manner of last weekend’s runaway victory at a Walsall side including Pakistan Test all-rounder Umar Amin, said: “It was a great 24 points for us and hopefully that was a turning point, but it will not really count for anything unless we follow it up with another win. We need to get a bit of momentum going.

“It should be a good game against Walmley and they are only a couple of points above us in the table.”

Walmley are likely to include former Warwickshire batsman Navdeep Poonia plus two more men who have played international cricket for Scotland in Ollie Hairs and Freddie Coleman, a current Edgbaston man.

Shrewsbury, from: from: S Leach, E Foster, T Cox, R Foster, P Butler, A Parker, S Barnard, D Jones, S Griffiths, M Barnard, E Green, E Barnard, J Leach.

Ed Foster

Large Walsall win encourages Foster

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

SHREWSBURY gave a timely reminder of their capabilities by hammering Walsall, a result skipper Rob Foster hopes will inject fresh belief into his side’s Birmingham League premier division campaign.

Shrewsbury romped to a stunning 147 run away win to climb out of the top-fight’s bottom two and up to eighth place in the table ahead of Saturday’s home game with Walmley.

The London Roaders quickly returned to Walsall 24 hours later to compete in Birmingham League finals day of the ECB National Club Twenty20 KO.

They saw off hosts Walsall, who must be fed up with the sight of the county towners, in the semis, but missed out on a place in the regional stages after losing heavily to Barnt Green in the final later on Sunday afternoon.

But there was no doubting the highlight of Shrewsbury’s busy weekend with Foster delighted with the manner of the convincing victory, just a third league success of the season, against a Walsall side featuring Pakistan international star Umar Amin.

“It was a really good all-round team performance,” enthused Foster. “The way we performed was much like last year and it’s never easy going to Walsall as they won the league the year before us and have still got a lot of those players in their side.

“We now need to find some consistency and put a few wins together.”

Walsall’s overseas pro Amin found himself totally upstaged by a fired up Shrewsbury side as he failed to take a wicket before being dismissed for an eight-ball duck, caught by Ed Foster off Steve Barnard who delivered a sharp opening spell which left the hosts in major trouble.

Foster said: “It’s always enjoyable to play against someone who has played Test cricket. Sometimes it’s nice in a way to watch them score a few runs and watch them play, but Steve Barnard cleaned him up early on with a really good ball.”

Shrewsbury, stuck in, had earlier made assured progress towards totalling a competitive 225-8.

They lost Steve Leach early on but that brought together the Foster brothers and they put on 87 for the second wicket.

Ed Foster led the way with 64 from 114 balls, hitting a six and five boundaries, while skipper Rob Foster added 42.

Other useful contributions from wicketkeeper Anthony Parker (47no) and Steve Barnard (40) kept the scoreboard ticking over as Walsall’s Paul Byrne claimed 4-74.

Walsall, in reply, were quickly plunged into turmoil with Barnard, who claimed 3-19 from nine lively overs, reducing them to 10-3.

Byrne offered limited resistance by making 30 but Walsall were then undone by former Shelton paceman Sam Griffiths, who claimed 4-18 from 9.2 overs, and Mike Barnard (2-17) as they were skittled for just 78 inside 34 overs.

“Our score was a very competitive one,” said the skipper. “We were put in and there was a bit in the wicket early on but Ed batted very well and we managed to put a few on. Then Anthony Parker and Steve Barnard also played well.

“Steve bowled very well at the start of the Walsall innings, taking three wickets and he might have had a fourth but for a dropped catch, and then Sam came on and took four wickets. It was all very pleasing.”

Lightning struck twice 24 hours later with Shrewsbury, showing five changes from Saturday, beating Walsall again, this time in the Birmingham League semi-finals of the ECB National Club Twenty20.

Walsall opted to bat first and Griffiths again enjoyed himself, claiming 3-22, while Jack Garmson played his part with 2-25 as the home side were restricted to 139-8 from their 20 overs.

Shrewsbury timed their chase to perfection to advance to 140-5 with four balls to spare.

Rob Foster, promoted to open, hammered 60 from 37 balls, putting on 90 for the second wicket with his brother Ed, who saw the job through with an unbeaten 61 from 53 deliveries.

That set up a final clash against Barnt Green, five run conquerors of Tamworth in the other semi.

But Shrewsbury were unable to make it three wins out of three for the weekend as they were well beaten by nine wickets after being bowled out for just 52.

Foster added: “We played very well in the semi to chase down 140. In the final we were a little reliant on a few of us at the top of the order and unfortunately we didn’t fire. To be bowled out for 52 was a bit embarrassing but Barnt Green are a good side and had a strong team out.”

Steve Barnard

Steve Barnard steers Shrewsbury to fifth Williamson final

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chroncile

Steve Barnard’s batting exploits sent Shrewsbury through to yet another Graham Williamson Trophy final on a weekend which brought more disappointment for the reigning champions in the Birmingham League.

The London Roaders slipped into the premier division’s bottom two after losing heavily by 118 runs at home to Knowle & Dorridge on Saturday.

But there was better news 24 hours later as all-rounder Barnard’s unbeaten 68 helped Shrewsbury beat Kidderminster by two wickets to set up a final against Walmley on a date to be arranged in the Graham Williamson Trophy.

Shrewsbury can do no wrong in this competition having won it for the last four years but their Midas touch, for the time being at least, has temporarily deserted them in the league.

Kidderminster batted first on Sunday and posted 197-8 as they were kept in check by three wickets apiece from Aussie Patrick Butler and youngster Jack Garmson.

Shrewsbury, in reply, lost a flurry of early wickets but Tom Cox steadied the ship with 31 before Barnard, at No 7, saw the job through in style, his unbeaten 68 steering the hosts to 198-8 with eight balls to spare.

“Steve really won us the game which was pleasing to see,” said captain Rob Foster. “He also bowled well and we were happy to get through to the final once again.”

It was an ideal pick me up for Shrewsbury after their worrying batting frailties were again ruthlessly exposed in the league on Saturday when they were dismissed for just 104 in reply to Knowle & Dorridge’s 222-7.

The visitors, invited to bat first, were in early trouble at 38-2 with the usually free-scoring Alex Phillips and overseas ace Michael Hill, a big star for Victoria in Australian’s Big Bash competition, both failling cheaply to Dewi Jones (2-40).

Shrewsbury still looked in the driving seat with K&D precariously placed at 94-5 despite a rapid 63 from 45 balls by opener Richard Johnson, a regular in first class cricket for Derbyshire.

But then captain David Smith (65) and Jack Grundy (61) joined forces to put on 125 for the sixth wicket as Shrewsbury found themselves chasing a much bigger target than they would have envisaged at one stage.

Mike Barnard, making his first league appearance of the season, backed up the early efforts of Jones by taking 2-33 and there were a couple of late victims for Elliot Green (2-43).

Shrewsbury, in reply, quickly had that sinking feeling once again as wickets fell all too regularly.

Welshman Jones top scored with a hard-hitting 35 from 44 balls at No 8 but otherwise meaningful support was in short supply.

Ed Foster, fresh from cracking a glorious century for a Birmingham League representative XI against a Worcestershire XI at Bromsgrove, departed for 15.

Then Joe Leach, making a welcome return from playing for Worcestershire in the County Championship, struck a couple of crisp boundaries before being caught for 18 as Shrewsbury again struggled to impose themselves with the bat, just managing to limp into three figures.

Will Mottram inflicted much of the damage by taking 3-44 as Shrewsbury dropped to 11th place in the table ahead of Saturday’s trip to Walsall.

Skipper Foster conceded: “We just didn’t bat very well again unfortunately. Everyone seems to be out of form at the same time, but everyone has got previous in terms of scoring runs so it will come good again for us.

“We had them 90-5 and potentially we were looking at getting them out for about 150 but then the two lads who both got 60 for them in the middle order came in and played well, not giving any chances.

“We then lost early wickets again so were always under pressure.

“It was disappointing because at the halfway stage we thought we were in a good position on a good pitch, but they bowled well.”

Meanwhile, it was an equally disappointing day for SHREWSBURY II last Saturday as they crashed to the bottom of the Birmingham League’s premier reserve division table with a crushing 261 run defeat at leaders Knowle & Dorridge II.

Shrewsbury’s youngsters were shot out for 46 inside 22 overs with little resistance once captain Jon Anders, the opener, departed for 20.

The hosts earlier racked up a formidable 307-3 declared from 39 overs.

Opener Dominic Harding led the onslaught with an unbeaten 150 and John Price added 96. Jack Garmson plugged away to take 2-50.

Shrewsbury’s second sting host fourth-placed Wolverhampton II on Saturday.

Joe Leach

Shrewsbury set to face international star

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Shrewsbury’s cricketers are desperate to get their Birmingham League season back on track by toppling a Walsall side likely to feature a Pakistan international star on Saturday.

All-rounder Umar Amin, Walsall’s high profile overseas professional, is expected to be on the opposite side as Shrewsbury strive to pep up their fortunes.

The London Road club also head to Walsall on Sunday for Birmingham League finals day of the ECB National Twenty20, but it’s the league meeting 24 hours earlier that’s arguably more important given their current lowly league position.

Shrewsbury dropped into the premier division’s bottom two with a heavy home defeat at the hands of Knowle & Dorridge last weekend, a fifth defeat in nine league outings for the reigning champions this season.

Skipper Rob Foster insists he remains confident that results will start to pick up as Shrewsbury get ready to face Walsall and their Pakistan ace Amin.

There was much excitement at the Gorway club when they managed to pull off a coup by securing the services of a man who has represented his country 27 times.

But Shrewsbury are no strangers to facing Test players in the Birmingham League having come up against the likes of Indian batsman Wasim Jaffer, New Zealand’s Ian Butler and Pakistan run machine Mohammad Yousuf in recent years.

Foster said: “Walsall’s Test star is doing well for them so he will be a key man, a dangerous cricketer, but it’s always nice to test yourselves against top players, something to always enjoy.”

Foster stressed he still believed Shrewsbury have what it takes to climb the table despite his current frustration.

“We’re pretty calm about it,” he said. “There’s no use ranting or raving about things. We’ve got players who have produced very good performances before and there’s no reason why they can’t again.”

Shrewsbury will be boosted by the availability of all-rounder Steve Barnard, who missed last Saturday’s defeat against K&D but was back in the side 24 hours later to hit an unbeaten 68 against Kidderminster as Shrewsbury reached the final of the Graham Williamson Trophy for a fifth successive year.

Foster added his side were still waiting to discover if Worcestershire would allow Joe Leach, now a regular in their County Championship side, to play club cricket for a second successive Saturday.

Shrewsbury will make a swift return to Walsall on Sunday to battle it out with the hosts, Tamworth and Barnt Green at the Birmingham League finals day for the ECB National Twenty20 competition. The winners will progress to the regional stages.

Shrewsbury (v Walsall, Saturday): from: S Leach, E Foster, T Cox, J Leach, R Foster, P Butler, A Parker, S Barnard, D Jones, S Griffiths, M Barnard, E Green.

Shrewsbury Cricket Club

U15s take on Bridgnorth in County Cup final

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Shrewsbury U15s take on Bridgnorth at London Road tomorrow (Tuesday 24th June) in the County Cup final. 6.30pm start.

Leach set to return for K&D clash

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

WORCESTERSHIRE all-rounder Joe Leach is set to hand Shrewsbury a timely boost by declaring himself available for Saturday’s Birmingham League clash at home to Knowle & Dorridge.

Leach has cemented a regular place in the New Road club’s County Championship side in recent matches which has meant his Shrewsbury appearances have been limited since the early weeks of the season.

Now skipper Rob Foster hopes the talented 23-year-old, who bats in the top four for Shrewsbury as well as opening the bowling, will return to London Road for the visit of fourth-placed K&D.

Shrewsbury will start the game in the premier division’s bottom three having lost four of their eight league matches this season.

“It’s always great to have Joe in the side,” said Foster. “It will be a huge boost to have him available as he bats and bowls. It would be like having two players coming back into the side.

“Worcestershire have no game this weekend and Joe’s always keen to come and play for us when he has the chance.”

Paceman Mike Barnard is also pushing for a place after taking four cheap wickets on his senior bow this season in last Sunday’s comfortable win over Oswestry in the ECB National Twenty20 KO.

But offspinning all-rounder Alex Blofield is unavailable which leaves Shrewsbury still considering their selection options as the reigning champions chase a win to get them moving back in the right direction.

“We know Knowle & Dorridge are playing well at the moment and they’ve got some good players,” added Foster. “They’ve got a good overseas player in batsman Michael Hill, a Big Bash star back home in Australia for Victoria.

“Derbyshire’s Richard Johnson is likely to play for them and Alex Phillips was up there with Ed (Foster) and Steve Leach as the top run scorers in the division last season.

“It will be a tough game but we just need to put a few results together to move us up the table.”

Shrewsbury also have a home game on Sunday when they welcome Kidderminster in the semi-finals of the Graham Williamson Trophy.

Shrewsbury (v Knowle & Dorridge), from: E Foster, S Leach, T Cox, P Butler, R Foster, A Parker, S Barnard, D Jones, S Griffiths, E Green, J Leach, M Barnard.

Elliot Green

National T20 success can’t hide League troubles

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Shrewsbury’s disappointing start to the defence of their Birmingham League premier division title continued with defeat at home to Barnt Green – but there was again better news 24 hours later with progress in the ECB National Twenty20 KO.

A four-wicket haul from spinner Elliot Green was not enough to prevent the London Roaders from suffering a fourth defeat in eight league games this term as they suffered a three-wicket reverse at the hands of Barnt Green.

Now skipper Rob Foster knows it’s important his third-bottom side, emphatic 147 run winners over Oswestry in the National T20 KO on Sunday, produce a much better performance at home to Knowle & Dorridge on Saturday to get them moving in the right direction in the top-flight table.

Foster said: “We’re just past the third way point of the season and there’s a few of us that have not really performed yet this year. The sooner we can turn it around the better.”

Shrewsbury’s batting again failed to fire as they were restricted to 188-9 from their 55 overs.

A number of men made starts without going on to deliver a truly telling contribution with Tom Cox (38), young Aussie Patrick Butler (32), Dewi Jones (29no) and Steve Leach (26) top scoring as Tom Brown (4-29) and Andy Sutton (3-44) kept it tight with the ball.

The dependable Green did his best to make a game of it by snaring 4-49 from 17 overs, but Barnt Green, held together by 51 from opener Nathan Newport, had more than six overs to spare as they progressed to 191-7.

“We were probably 20 or 30 runs light of having a chance and giving them a tougher chase,” said Foster. “It was the same problem we’ve been having the last few weeks as we’re just lacking someone to go on and make a big score.”

Sunday once again provided the highlight of the weekend for Shrewsbury as they made light work of dismantling depleted lower league Shropshire rivals Oswestry in the third round of the ECB National T20 KO.

Shrewsbury rattled up an imposing 239-5 from their 20 overs before Oswestry, in reply, got nowhere near as they closed on 92-6.
Most of the batting fireworks were provided by big-hitting Alex Blofield (65) and Steve Leach (56) while skipper Foster (26) and Steve Barnard (23) also weighed in.

Mike Barnard then marked his first senior appearance of the season by claiming 4-15 from his four overs as Oswestry ended well off the pace.

Foster said: “Oswestry had a pretty weak side out with only a couple of first teamers so it was a bit of a non-event really. But it was pleasing to get a win and you can only beat what’s in front of you.”

Shrewsbury can now look forward to competing with hosts Walsall, Barnt Green and Tamworth in Birmingham League finals day for the national competition on Sunday, June 29. The winners will progress to the regional stages.

Meanwhile, SHREWSBURY II enjoyed one of their best days of the season in the Birmingham League’s premier reserve division as they chalked up a winning draw at Barnt Green II.

Skipper Jon Anders, back from a fortnight in the first team, cracked 78 at the top of the order while a quickfire, unbeaten 41 from William Davies and 20 not out from Stephen Pym lifted the Shrewsbury total up to 205-7.

It proved enough to secure the lion’s share of the points as Barnt Green pulled up short in their chase, closing on 196-9, with two wickets apiece for Joshua Anders (2-22), Harry Bolland (2-51) and Jack Garmson (2-55).

Shrewsbury’s second string travel to leaders Knowle & Dorridge II on Saturday.

Shrewsbury Cricket Club

Have your say, help improve cricket in Shropshire

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Shropshire Cricket Board calls on recreational cricketers to have their say and influence the future of cricket at grassroots level in the second annual National Cricket Playing survey.

ecb.co.uk/playingsurvey2014

Last year more than 300 players in Shropshire responded to the survey – the first of its kind ever undertaken in cricket – and Shropshire Cricket Board is already acting on the comprehensive and wide-ranging feedback received. Clubs and leagues are reviewing formats, rule changes, start times, travel distances to matches and greater opportunities for women, girls and disability cricketers to play the game.

Examples of changes in Shropshire since last year’s survey include:

  •  The formalization and running of the Broseley Bash T20 Club Cluster League
  •  The development of a T20 4 x Midweek League Representative Competition
  •  The development of a Midweek T20 Champions League Finals Day
  •  The formalization and running of a Women’s Club Hard Ball League
  •  The development of a Women’s Club autumn Indoor league
  •  The development of a Colts (16- 19) autumn Indoor League

“Last year’s survey attracted a fantastic response and we intend to listen and respond with innovative and forward-thinking ideas which will all help attract more players and volunteers and make it as inclusive as possible”.

Please complete the survey to allow us to help you shape the future of your cricket needs in Shropshire.

Chris Dirkin
[Head of Club & Community Programmes – Shropshire Cricket Board]

 

Shrewsbury still searching for performances

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

SHREWSBURY’S stuttering season continued with skipper Rob Foster admitting his side were “outplayed” in their losing draw at Kidderminster – but there was better news 24 hours later as he starred in their National Twenty20 KO win over Attock.

Shrewsbury were indebted to a gritty knock from opener Ed Foster for ensuring they just about managed to hold on for a losing draw worth four points at Kidderminster in the Birmingham League premier division.

Foster kept his cool as wickets tumbled around him as Shrewsbury closed well off the pace on 98-9 in reply to Kidderminster’s competitive total of 175-6.

A delayed start at Chester Road owing to the wet weather saw the match eventuallly get under way at 3pm and it was a reduced 32 overs per side affair.

Kidderminster, invited to bat first, were well served by a third wicket stand of 90 between Michael Hill (65) and Craig Wood (53).

Sam Griffiths, the former Shelton seamer, was the pick of the visiting attack, claiming 3-36 from 10 overs, his victims including regular Worcestershire opener Matt Pardoe, caught and bowled for 21.

Spinner Charlie Morris, a close season recruit from Oswestry, also played his part by claiming 3-48.

Shrewsbury, in reply, were quickly up against it after slumping to 33-4 with Steve Leach, Anthony Parker, Tom Cox and skipper Foster all back in the pavilion.

But opener Foster was in unbeatable form, standing firm to compile an unbeaten 45, riding to Shrewsbury’s rescue, as he so often has over the years.

He faced 94 balls and hit four boundaries as Shrewsbury hung on for a losing draw, not that it was much consolation.

Dewi Morris (17) provided some support, but the Kidderminster attack, spearheaded by Gareth Williams (4-22), held the upper hand as Shrewsbury, who host Barnt Green on Saturday, slipped two places in the table to ninth spot.

Skipper Foster said: “We were so far off being competitive against a good Kidderminster side who really outplayed us.

“We want to put a few good performances together back to back but we don’t seem to be able to do it at the moment.

“Ed batted well and Sam Griffiths bowled well for his three wickets. His caught and bowled to get rid of Matt Pardoe was stunning – but overall it was a disappointing day for us.”

Sunday brought better news for Shrewsbury as they beat Attock by nine runs to set up a second round tie in the National Twenty20 KO at home to Oswestry on Sunday afternoon.

Skipper Foster cracked an excellent 60 from 30 balls and Tom Cox added 35 as Shrewsbury racked up 154-5 from their 20 overs.

Spinners Elliot Green and recent recruit Joe Hall then took two wickets apiece as Attock pulled up short on 145-9.

“It was a good performance and good to get a win,” added Foster. “They got 25 runs of the last two overs which made it look a bit closer than it probably was.”

SHREWSBURY II, who have not had much luck with the weather this season, had another unwanted day off with their scheduled home game with Moseley II unable to get started owing to London road being too wet.

They head to Barnt Green II in the Birmingham Cricket League’s premier reserve division on Saturday.

Foster hope Jones can continue good form

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

SKIPPER Rob Foster has high hopes that in-form quickie Dewi Jones can shine again with the ball as Shrewsbury target back-to-back Birmingham Cricket League wins at Kidderminster on Saturday.

Teenager Jones grabbed four wickets for the London Roaders in last weekend’s victory over Kenilworth Wardens, a result which propelled Shrewsbury from bottom spot up to seventh place in the premier division table.

He’s now taken 14 wickets in his last three matches having grabbed five-wicket hauls a few days earlier both for Glamorgan’s 2nd XI against Somerset and also for the Wales Minor Counties side at Wiltshire in the Unicorns Trophy.

Foster said the contribution of Jones, a close season recruit from Wombourne, was key to the victory over Kenilworth and he now hopes there is plenty more to come from the 18-year-old Welshman.

Foster said: “It’s been a difficult start to the season for everyone but I thought Dewi bowled very well against Kenilworth.

“It was great to see him knock over their top four and you could tell he was bowling with confidence having taken a few wickets for Glamorgan seconds and for Wales.

“He’s a quick bowler and he’s only 18 so he’s still filling out, still developing.”

Foster felt his side were still not at their best last weekend but insisted it was a vital victory after Shrewsbury were restricted to just 116.

“We need to string a few wins together now,” he said. “We’ve got Kidderminster next and that’s always a tough game. It could be a case that they’re missing Matt Pardoe to Worcestershire and we’re without Joe Leach for the same reasons unless Worcester release him.”

Shrewsbury are again without the unavailable Steve Barnard and Alex Blofield while England under-19 star Ed Barnard misses out through injury.

Shrewsbury are also in action on Sunday when they host Attock in the first round of the National Twenty20 (2pm).

Foster added: “We got to the last 16 last year and it’s a good competition that we would like to do well in. It’s always good fun playing Twenty20 cricket and the final in the last few years has been held at The Oval and been shown live on TV.”

SHREWSBURY (v Kidderminster): E Foster, S Leach, T Cox, R Foster, P Butler, A Parker, J Anders, D Jones, E Green, C Morris, S Griffiths.