Walsall, champions of the Birmingham Cricket League in each of the last three years, provide the opposition for Shrewsbury’s first home game of the season on Saturday – with Jack Shantry’s presence on the visiting teamsheet adding extra spice.
Shantry, the talented Shropshire allrounder, quit Shrewsbury at the end of last season after helping the London Roaders to division one title glory.
He was initially poised to join Bradford League club Farsley as a professional, only for the move to break down, Shantry instead signing for Walsall.
“There won’t be any ill feeling towards Jack as he’s got a lot of friends at the club, but there will be a few people trying their best to make sure he doesn’t get many runs or take any wickets,” said Shrewsbury captain Ed Foster. “He was a big loss to us when he decided to move on.”
Shrewsbury played some good cricket on the opening day of the new season last weekend, suffering a last over one-wicket defeat at Barnt Green.
Now Foster knows they will have to play well again to compete against such a powerful side as Walsall.
“They’re the reigning champions and we’ll just be looking to get as much out of it as we can,” said Foster, delighted to be able to include Michael Barnard and Jon Anders in his plans.
Young Shropshire paceman Barnard, who has spent the winter playing grade cricket in Perth, will arrive home from Australia later today while the experienced Anders also comes in. Matt Swift and ex-Shelton man Sam Jones will make way.
“If Mike can pick up where he left off for us last year, it will be fantastic,” said Foster. “He’s performed well in Australia and it’s good to have him back.”
Barnard faces a busy weekend as he has been selected for Shropshire alongside captain Foster for Sunday’s MCCA KO Trophy tie against Cumberland at Workington. Shropshire were beaten by 43 runs by Bedfordshire at London Road last Sunday.
Shrewsbury supporters will have the first chance on Saturday to watch the club’s Western Australia batsman Wes Robinson, who made 39 and took three wickets on his debut as the club’s new overseas pro at Barnt Green last weekend.
Meanwhile, Shrewsbury have been handed a trip to Derbyshire side Lullington in the second round of the National KO on Sunday, May 24. Shrewsbury received a bye in the first round after Cannock, their scheduled opponents, conceded.
SHREWSBURY (v Walsall): E. Foster, W. Robinson, J. Gale, W. Parton, J. Anders, D. Manders, W. Davies, S. Wilderspin, S. Barnard, E. Green, M. Barnard.
