Wem Town are looking forward to life in the West Midland League for the first time in 14 years – with much of the praise reserved for rookie manager Dave Richards after steering the club to the Sportsjamkits.com County League title.
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.
Members of Ellesmere Cricket Club can look forward to life in the top division after securing £10,000 worth of equipment in time for the new season.
Paul Simpson has urged skipper Ben Davies to recapture his match sharpness as he considers an immediate recall for the midfielder against his former club Chester City on Saturday.

Local rugby ace Graham Kitchener has been tipped for a glittering future as a full England international by his widely respected club coach.
Port Vale old boy Dave Hibbert is determined to take over the goalscoring mantle from banned hitman Grant Holt when Shrewsbury Town host the Potteries strugglers on Saturday.

Baschurch-based rugby prospect Graham Kitchener has been hailed as “a huge talent” by Worcester Warriors coach Mike Ruddock after marking his full debut for the Sixways club with a fine try.

Motto Jones, the respected elder statesman of the Shrewsbury table tennis scene, is all set to begin his 65th season playing in the county town league next week.
Paul Simpson prepares his table-topping Shrewsbury Town side for the acid test of three away games inside a week – admitting: “We’re there to be shot at.”
Ed Foster has backed his Shrewsbury side to put the disappointment of losing top spot in the Birmingham Cricket League’s first division behind them to stay on course for promotion at Cannock on Saturday.