Teenagers Sam Barnett and JJ Beasley are both pushing for their first team debuts as Shrewsbury bid to spring a surprise at home to Midlands Three West (North) leaders Camp Hill on Saturday.
The two 18-year-olds, who both play in the centre, have been in good form for the club’s second team in recent weeks, with first team skipper Mattie Morris having total faith in the youngsters if they are called upon.
Both have a good chance of featuring in the starting XV as Shrewsbury have been hit by availability problems. “This is a good chance for both of the young lads and they have a pretty good chance of starting,” said the skipper. “Will Jones, Jason Allibone, Will Mottram and John Wareham are all out on Saturday.”
A tactical move will see Damien Kinney switch to flanker with Nick Challinor slotting in at hooker as Shrewsbury aim to continue their revival under new coach Stuart Barnett by toppling leaders Camp Hill, who are four points clear at the top.
“It’s a massive game for us and it’s one we’re looking forward to,” said Morris. “We want as many wise heads as possible in the team and we usually do well against the Birmingham sides.
“Although Camp Hill are top of the league, they’re definitely beatable. They’ve said on their website that they’re expecting a tough game on Saturday, but they’ve won six in a row so hopefully they might be in a relaxed mood.”
The Camp Hill clash is the first of three big games Shrewsbury face in the run-up to Christmas, with a trip to bottom club Leek and a home date against Wolverhampton to follow. Morris, in positive mood, is hopeful his side can pick up plenty of points to see them climb away from the relegation zone.
SHREWSBURY (from): D. Griffiths, N. Challinor, N. Williams, M. Turner, P. Wintle, S. Crippen, S. Owen, D. Kinney, R. Hodnett, S. Evitts, S. McLernon, M. Morris, J. Adams, S. Barnett, J. J. Beasley, M. Edwards, N. Davies, J. Pugh.
Whitchurch, meanwhile, will be looking to start their push from mid-table in Midlands Two (West) when they visit bottom side Barkers Butts on Saturday.