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Graham Williamson Trophy 2014

Shrewsbury claim fifth straight Graham Williamson Trophy

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Proud skipper Rob Foster saluted his knockout kings after Shrewsbury lifted the Birmingham League’s Graham Williamson KO Trophy for an unprecedented fifth successive year.

The London Roaders have monopolised the competition in recent times and underlined their determination to retain the trophy by rattling up a big score en route to overwhelming Walmley by 113 runs in Sunday’s final.

It crowned a productive weekend as, helped by an excellent century from Tom Cox, Shrewsbury beat Walsall by 24 runs in the Birmingham League on Saturday, a result which saw the visitors relegated from the premier division.

“It’s pretty special to have won the Trophy five years in a row,” said Foster. “It’s really pleasing and a great effort.”

Shrewsbury, stuck in for Sunday’s final, needed no second invitation to pile on the runs as they raced to 292 all out inside 38 swashbuckling overs.

Openers Steve Leach (72) and Ed Foster (49) laid solid foundations by putting on 123 for the first wicket before England under-19 star Ed Barnard weighed in with 42.

Alex Blofield, whose appearances have been limited this season, then provided plenty of fireworks by cracking an unbeaten 68 from just 28 balls, hitting five sixes and seven boundaries in the process.

Walmley, in reply, were eventually dismissed for 179, with Australian Patrick Butler (4-25), Elliot Green (3-49) and Sam Griffiths (2-28) among the wickets.

Shrewsbury, who will wrap up their league season at Walmley on Saturday, had maintained their strong form over the second half of the campaign by sending Walsall down 24 hours earlier.

Cox, at No 5, played beautifully to compile an unbeaten 120 from 129 balls, his first century of the season. The Shropshire right hander narrowly missed out on a ton a fortnight earlier when he perished for 94 against Kidderminster, but this time he was not to be denied, hitting five sixes and 15 fours.

Skipper Foster (35) and Glamorgan’s Dewi Jones (22) were next best as Shrewsbury posted 267-9, with David Powles (3-49) and Josh Bowker (3-64) the pick of the Walsall attack.

Powles (70) and Worcestershire wicketkeeper Ben Cox (61) did their best to spark a successful chase but Walsall pulled up short as they closed on 243-7, Mike Barnard taking 2-33.

“Walsall came and played well so it was a good game of cricket,” added Foster. “The way Tom Cox batted was comfortably the best I’ve ever seen him play. He was very positive and played some great shots.”

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury II boasted two centurions in their game at Wolverhampton II, but it was still not enough to save them from a 118 run defeat, a result which sentenced them to relegation from the Birmingham League’s premier reserve division.

Will Parton struck 104 and Aussie teenager Butler ended unbeaten on 102 – his second century of the week after reaching three figures against an overseas touring side a few days earlier – as Shrewsbury closed on 240-3.

Wolverhampton earlier had two centurions of their own as they rattled up a formidable 358-5.

Shrewsbury’s second string end their season at Walmley II on Saturday.

Two Eds are better than one in K&D victory

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Ed Barnard, Shrewsbury’s England under-19 all-rounder, grabbed four wickets on his first bowling appearance of the season to lift the London Roaders into the top four in the Birmingham Cricket League’s premier division.

Barnard had been unable to bowl for Shrewsbury in his earlier outings for the club this term following back and side injuries, playing as a top order batsman.

But, having recently got among the wickets for England’s under-19s against South Africa, both in Youth Tests and then the one-day series, Shrewsbury skipper Rob Foster was pleased to be able to throw him the ball during last weekend’s 40 run victory at Knowle & Dorridge.

Barnard responded by taking 4-28 from 7.1 overs as the home team were bowled out for 162 to hand Shrewsbury the points they needed to be mathematically safe from being dragged into any danger at the wrong end of the table – not that that was too big a concern given their impressive second half of the season revival.

“Ed had a stress fracture last year which unfortunately ruled him out of any cricket and from bowling,” said Foster. “That carried a bit into this year and in the few games he did play for us earlier in the season he had a side strain or something along those lines and hadn’t been able to bowl.

“But he showed his class last weekend, his quality, which was good to see.”

Barnard, also looking to impress at first class county Worcestershire in the closing weeks of the season, was well backed up with the ball by former Shelton man Sam Griffiths (3-27) and spinner Elliot Green (2-30) as the K&D reply fell away despite contributions from Jack Grundy (40) and Dom Harding (37).

Shrewsbury earlier posted 202 all out with opener Ed Foster once again laying solid foundations, hitting eight fours on his way to top scoring with 80 from 104 balls.

Alex Blofield, promoted to open in the absence of Steve Leach, added 26 and Tom Cox made 25 before Mike Barnard also chipped in down the order with 22 as home duo Michael Bevan and Tom Smith both took three wickets.

“It was a strange sort of batting performance from us,” added skipper Foster. “We were 120-1 after 25 overs which we were really pleased with and we were indebted to Ed and the way he played, so to then collapse to just over 200 all out I thought we might have been a bit light.

“But the way we bowled, led by Ed Barnard, was superb really. We bowled and fielded really well and took our chances. I don’t think we dropped anything which makes a change.

“It was pleasing and it was only the second time I’ve been on the winning side at Knowle & Dorridge. They’re a good side, especially at home, so it was really pleasing to get a win there.”

Shrewsbury will hope to sign off their home programme with another victory against relegation-threatened Walsall on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury II have it all to do scramble clear of the bottom two in the premier reserve division following an eight-wicket defeat in a rain-interrupted match at home to leaders Knowle & Dorridge II.

Jon Anders’s side, 27 points adrift of safety with just two games to play, matched the club’s first team run for run in being bowled out for 202 before the visitors just about reached their revised victory target of 156-2.

Anders, an opening batsman, was in excellent touch for 92 and Dan Manders made 25 before K&D were set a target of 154 in 33 overs which they just about managed after being pushed all the way.

Shrewsbury’s second string head to Wolverhampton II, Anders’s former club, on Saturday knowing only a win will be enough to take their fight for survival to the last day of the season.

Ed Barnard bats for England in the U19 cricket world cup

Bowlers lead Shrewsbury to Knowle and Dorridge victory

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Ed Barnard, Shrewsbury’s England under-19 all-rounder, grabbed four wickets on his first bowling appearance of the season to lift the London Roaders into the top four in the Birmingham Cricket League’s premier division.

Barnard had been unable to bowl for Shrewsbury in his earlier outings for the club this term following back and side injuries, playing as a top order batsman.

But, having recently got among the wickets for England’s under-19s against South Africa, both in Youth Tests and then the one-day series,

Shrewsbury skipper Rob Foster was pleased to be able to throw him the ball during last weekend’s 40 run victory at Knowle & Dorridge.

Barnard responded by taking 4-28 from 7.1 overs as the home team were bowled out for 162 to hand Shrewsbury the points they needed to be mathematically safe from being dragged into any danger at the wrong end of the table – not that that was too big a concern given their impressive second half of the season revival.

“Ed had a stress fracture last year which unfortunately ruled him out of any cricket and from bowling,” said Foster. “That carried a bit into this year and in the few games he did play for us earlier in the season he had a side strain or something along those lines and hadn’t been able to bowl.

“But he showed his class last weekend, his quality, which was good to see.”

Barnard, also looking to impress at first class county Worcestershire in the closing weeks of the season, was well backed up with the ball by former Shelton man Sam Griffiths (3-27) and spinner Elliot Green (2-30) as the K&D reply fell away despite contributions from Jack Grundy (40) and Dom Harding (37).

Shrewsbury earlier posted 202 all out with opener Ed Foster once again laying solid foundations, hitting eight fours on his way to top scoring with 80 from 104 balls.

Alex Blofield, promoted to open in the absence of Steve Leach, added 26 and Tom Cox made 25 before Mike Barnard also chipped in down the order with 22 as home duo Michael Bevan and Tom Smith both took three wickets.

“It was a strange sort of batting performance from us,” added skipper Foster. “We were 120-1 after 25 overs which we were really pleased with and we were indebted to Ed and the way he played, so to then collapse to just over 200 all out I thought we might have been a bit light.

“But the way we bowled, led by Ed Barnard, was superb really. We bowled and fielded really well and took our chances. I don’t think we dropped anything which makes a change.

“It was pleasing and it was only the second time I’ve been on the winning side at Knowle & Dorridge. They’re a good side, especially at home, so it was really pleasing to get a win there.”

Shrewsbury will hope to sign off their home programme with another victory against relegation-threatened Walsall on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury II have it all to do scramble clear of the bottom two in the premier reserve division following an eight-wicket defeat in a rain-interrupted match at home to leaders Knowle & Dorridge II.

Jon Anders’s side, 27 points adrift of safety with just two games to play, matched the club’s first team run for run in being bowled out for 202 before the visitors just about reached their revised victory target of 156-2.

Anders, an opening batsman, was in excellent touch for 92 and Dan Manders made 25 before K&D were set a target of 154 in 33 overs which they just about managed after being pushed all the way.

Shrewsbury’s second string head to Wolverhampton II, Anders’s former club, on Saturday knowing only a win will be enough to take their fight for survival to the last day of the season.

Ed barnard

Safety still priority as Ed Barnard returns

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Shrewsbury captain Rob Foster wants his side to make mathematically certain of their place in next season’s Birmingham Cricket League premier division with victory at Knowle & Dorridge on Saturday.

While Shrewsbury sit sixth in the table and in no immediate danger of being dragged into a fight for survival, Foster’s main aim for several weeks now has been putting enough points on the board to be definitely safe.

Last weekend’s home win over Kidderminster, with Tom Cox cracking a fine 94, was followed by a wash out at title hopefuls Barnt Green on Monday so Shrewsbury sit 51 points clear of the bottom two with just three games to play.

Now Foster wants his team to maintain their improved form in the second half of the season against a side which beat them comfortably at London Road by 118 runs in June.

“Another win will confirm it,” said Foster. “We’ve definitely played a lot better in the second half, but it’s been a strange sort of season with the weather and there’s not really been any continuity.

“We owe Knowle & Dorridge one as they stuffed us out of sight by more than 100 runs at home earlier in the season.”

Shrewsbury will be without unavailable opening batsman Steve Leach while his brother Joe, who made a welcome return to club duty last weekend, is expected to be ruled out by Worcestershire commitments as the Pears begin a four-day Championship game at Derbyshire on Sunday.

But on a brighter note, England under-19 all-rounder Ed Barnard, fresh from playing in the one-day series against South Africa, is set to feature.

Meanwhile, it’s President’s Day at London Road on Sunday with John Foster, the Shrewsbury president, looking forward to welcoming a host of familiar faces.

Invited guests will include the club’s two National Club Championship winning teams together with other former players, sponsors and honorary members.

“I hope it will be a sunny day for us all to enjoy,” said the president. “The day will form a cricket festival and a hog roast so the festival will give players a chance to enjoy themselves in the company of as as many members and friends of the club as possible.”

Two Twenty20 matches will be played, the first at noon involving senior Shropshire cricketers, and, after afternoon tea, there will be a match involving current Shrewsbury players and some guests.

The hog roast will take place at 5.30pm with the day concluding with the presentations of man of the match awards at 6.30pm.
Shrewsbury (v Knowle & Dorridge): E Foster, T Cox, E Barnard, R Foster, A Blofield, P Butler, S Barnard, D Jones, E Green, M Barnard, S Griffiths.

Rob Foster

Captain Foster returns for Brockhampton visit

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

SHREWSBURY are boosted by the return of captain Rob Foster for Saturday’s home clash with Brockhampton in the Birmingham Cricket League’s premier division as the club’s exciting teenager Ed Barnard celebrates another England under-19 call up.

Foster was unavailable for last weekend’s eight-wicket defeat at leaders West Bromwich Dartmouth, a result which leaves the London Roaders languishing in eighth place in the top-flight table.

A second-wicket partnership of 135 between former Gloucestershire batsman Kadeer Ali and current Warwickshire regular Ateeq Javid sentenced Shrewsbury to a heavy reverse after opener Steve Leach carried his bat for an unbeaten 77 for the county towners.

But the skipper is back for Saturday and takes his place in a 12-man Shrewsbury squad featuring Worcestershire prospect Barnard who has been called up for England’s two Test series against South Africa later this summer.

Barnard helped England to a third-placed finish in the under-19 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates earlier this year.

The opening Test against the young Springboks is at Cambridge ground Fenners starting on August 1 before the second Test begins at Northamptonshire CCC from August 7.

The young Lions will also face Yorkshire’s under-19s in a warm up game at Sleaford on July 29.

Meanwhile, Ed Foster, Shrewsbury’s consistent batsman, has now urged his side to finish strongly over the final 10 games of the season as they look to climb the table, starting with Saturday’s visit of fourth-placed Brockhampton.

“Brockhampton are a strong side, a dangerous side, with a lot of experienced league cricketers and Herefordshire players,” said Foster.

“We had a very close away game against them earlier in the season when we lost off the last ball of the match.

“In some ways that’s been the story of our season as we’ve had quite a few close games and not quite won enough of them.”

Shrewsbury are waiting on the availability of Worcestershire all-rounder Joe Leach before finalising their side.

There’s also cricket at London Road tomorrow night (Friday, 6.15pm start) with Shrewsbury, the holders, meeting Whitchurch in the second semi-final of the Salop Leisure T20 KO Trophy.

The victors will take on Oswestry, four-wicket winners over Shifnal in the opening last four clash last Friday night, in the grand final at London Road on Friday, August 1.

As an incentive to attract more spectators, season ticket holders at Shrewsbury Town Football Club, those wearing the club’s football shirt and anyone picking up a flyer at the club’s first two pre-season friendlies at the Greenhous Meadow will qualify for a free drink tomorrow night.

Rather than holding the tournament on a Sunday in August as in previous years, it is being spread over three Friday evenings this summer to attract more spectators and avoid fixture congestion towards the end of the season.

SHREWSBURY, from: E Foster, S Leach, J Leach, E Barnard, T Cox, R Foster, A Parker, D Jones, M Barnard, E Green, S Griffiths, C Morris.

Ed barnard

Ed Barnard named in England U19 squad to face South Africa

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Article from www.ecb.co.uk

The England and Wales Cricket Board has announced a 14-man England Under-19s squad under the captaincy of Yorkshire’s Will Rhodes for the international Test series against South Africa U19s in early August.

England will begin with a two-day practice match versus a Yorkshire U19 XI at Sleaford CC on July 29 and 30, before the Test series begins at Fenner’s, Cambridge on August 1. The second Test match will start on August 7 at Northampton.

EDP Head Selector David Graveney said: “This is a great opportunity to continue the progress made through-out the winter and to play against the current U19 world champions. At this age-group level the sides tend to play more one-day cricket, so this is a real chance for both of the teams to hone their skills over the longer format of the game.

“Thanks must go to Yorkshire for helping us prepare for this series by providing an opposition for our practice game starting at Sleaford on July 29.”

Will Rhodes (Captain), Yorkshire

Jonathan Tattersall (Vice-Captain), Yorkshire

Tom Alsop, Hampshire

Ed Barnard, Worcestershire

Karl Carver, Yorkshire

Joe Clarke, Worcestershire

Matt Fisher, Yorkshire

Ryan Higgins, Middlesex

Rob Jones, Lancashire

Saqib Mahmood, Lancashire

Rob Sayer, Leicestershire

Josh Shaw, Yorkshire

Dominic Sibley, Surrey

Luke Wood, Nottinghamshire

Itinerary:

July 29-30 – Two-day practice match vs. Yorkshire U19 XI at Sleaford CC.

August 1-4 – First Test Match at Fenner’s.

August 7-10 – Second Test Match at Northampton.

Shrewsbury take lion’s share from Walmley contest

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Skipper Rob Foster insisted he was happy with a 17-point return after Shrewsbury produced a dominant display against Walmley to keep moving in the right direction in the Birmingham League’s premier division.

Half centuries from Joe Leach, Ed Foster and Ed Barnard helped Shrewsbury rattle up an imposing total of 278-7.

Sam Griffiths then helped himself to four wickets as Walmley recovered from 95-6 to close on 193-8.

The result lifted Shrewsbury up to seventh spot in the table and ensures they will travel to joint leaders West Bromwich Dartmouth on Saturday in good spirits.

“I was happy with the performance,” said skipper Foster, who picked up a wicket in the first over he’s bowled this season. “We have wanted to put a bit of consistency into our cricket and this was as good as you can get really without a win bar one more bonus point.

“It was obviously disappointing not to get 24 points but it’s as close as a win you can get. We dominated the game really from five overs in to the end so that was pleasing to see.”

Shrewsbury struggled for runs earlier in the season but this was one of their more productive days with the bat as they scored freely.

They lost Steve Leach early on but Ed Foster and Worcestershire all-rounder Joe Leach then put on 158 for the second wicket.
Leach top scored with 73 from 119 balls and Foster cracked 70 from 99 deliveries.

England under-19 international Barnard kept the scoreboard ticking over by making 54 before wicketkeeper Anthony Parker added a brisk, unbeaten 28 to lift the score up to 278-7.

Skipper Foster said: “When Ed (Foster) scores runs it seems to settle the side down and help us.

“It was good to have Joe Leach back and he played well. They built a platform for us.

“Ed Barnard then came in and showed his class and Mushy (Anthony Parker) got a few as well so it’s good to see him getting runs. It was a good performance with the bat.”

Walmley, in reply, looked on the brink of going under once former Warwickshire batsman Navdeep Poonia was bowled by Griffiths who took 4-34 from 15 overs.

But Chris Whittock managed to steady the ship for the visitors with an unbeaten 56 as Walmley, despite Joe Leach also taking 2-32, held on for the draw, closing on 193-8.

“Sam was the star with the ball,” added Foster, who decided to bring himself on to bowl for the first time this season towards the end, taking a wicket with his fourth ball.

“I only bowled three or four overs last season but I thought I would give it a try,” he added. “A few people have twisted my arm to have a bowl.

“It’s just a case of doing what’s best for the side. If I need to bowl a few overs then so be it.”

Meanwhile, SHREWSBURY II are 13 points adrift at the bottom of the Birmingham League’s premier reserve division following a 49 run defeat at high flying Walmley II.

Henry Blofield (3-49) and Aussie Patrick Butler (2-38) picked up some reward as Walmley, held together by 90 from James Brocklebank, totalled 246-8.

Shrewsbury’s openers Jon Anders (60) and George Hargrave (45) laid solid foundations to the reply while Blofield (38) and George Panayi (29) also weighed in as the visitors were dismissed for 197.

Shrewsbury’s second string host Harborne II on Saturday.

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.

1st XI pass Knowle and Dorridge test

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

SHREWSBURY are looking good ahead of the start of their Birmingham League premier division title defence this weekend after another impressive victory in the Graham Williamson Trophy.

Having won at top-flight rivals West Bromwich Dartmouth a week earlier, Shrewsbury, who have won this comeptition four years in a row, claimed another eye-catching result last weekend by beating much fancied Knowle & Dorridge by 16 runs.

“It was good to pick up another win,” said captain Rob Foster. “We probably weren’t at our best for large parts in the field but it was good to put down a marker against a good side which finished third in the league last season.”

The success was built around an excellent 132 run stand for the second wicket between Ed Foster and Ed Barnard.

Shrewsbury, invited to bat first, lost Oxford University batsman Steve Leach in the infancy of their innings for three.

That brought Foster and Barnard together in the middle and they batted the London Roaders into a strong position.

Foster, on his first club appearance of the season, led the way with a polished 81 as he built on the splendid 118 he hit for Shropshire in a friendly against Staffordshire the previous Sunday.

Foster cracked eight fours and two sixes off 81 balls and together with teenager Barnard he really took the game to K&D.

England under-19 ace Barnard, the star of the show in making 98 in the first round win at West Bromwich, was once again in good touch in hitting 49 from 74 deliveries as Shrewsbury racked up 185-8 from their 40 overs.

Shrewsbury could not have hoped for a better start with the ball with the club’s Worcestershire all-rounder Joe Leach trapping Australian opener Michael Hill leg before with the very first ball of the innings.

Hill is a regular for Victoria Down Under and renowned as a dangerous, big-hitting batsman but he had no chance to show what he can do.

Former Shelton man Sam Griffiths then also picked up a key lbw decision, removing Warwickshire’s Paul Best for 20 to make it advantage Shrewsbury.

Opener Alex Phillips dug in to make 53 but the visitors pulled up short of their target on 169-8.

Leach took 2-20 from eight tight overs and Steve Barnard claimed 2-35 to leave Shrewsbury eagerly awaiting Saturday’s opening league game of the season at home to West Bromwich Dartmouth.

Captain Foster added: “The two Eds batted very well to put us in a good position. Joe Leach then bowled fantastically well and some of Knowle’s top players couldn’t lay a bat on him.

“This is a good competition for us. They are always good competitive warm up games and now we’re raring to go for the league season.”

Shrewsbury will now take on Kidderminster Victoria in the semi finals of the Graham Williamson Trophy on Sunday, May 4.

Rob Foster

Several changes ahead of Knowle and Dorridge visit

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Shrewsbury wheel out the big guns for Saturday’s Graham Williamson Trophy second round tie at home to much fancied Knowle & Dorridge (12.30pm).

Skipper Rob Foster together with fellow regulars Ed Foster, Steve Leach, Steve Barnard and Sam Griffiths all return after missing last weekend’s first round win at West Bromwich Dartmouth in which England under-19 prospect Ed Barnard shone.

All-rounder Alex Blofield, one of the club’s many Shropshire regulars, is unavailable.

The match with K&D will be Shrewsbury’s last ahead of beginning the defence of their Birmingham League premier division at home to West Bromwich Dartmouth a week on Saturday, April 26.

“Knowle & Dorridge finished third last year and they’ve strengthened over the winter,” said Shrewsbury skipper Foster. “They’ve brought in Michael Hill, an Australian from Victoria who recently played in the Big Bash as their overseas player.

“He’s a dangerous player, a batsman, who likes to give it a whack, and they’ve also signed Warwickshire’s Paul Best, another good player.

“It’s as tough a test we could have early season and it will be a good marker for both teams to see where we’re at.”

Foster added he was delighted by teenager Barnard’s fine start to the season with his polished knock of 98 laying the foundations for last weekend’s victory.

“It’s no surprise to see Ed get a score like that,” he said. “It’s his biggest score for the first team so far but he’s already experienced playing at such a high level with England’s under-19s.”

Foster’s older brother, Ed, was quickly back in the groove, too, cracking 118 at the top of the order for Shropshire in last Sunday’s warm up win over Staffordshire at Shifnal.

SHREWSBURY, from: S Leach, E Foster, E Barnard, J Leach, T Cox, R Foster, A Parker, S Barnard, C Morris, E Green, S Griffiths, D Jones, G Hargrave.