Consistent Reece O’Connell has been hailed as one of Shrewsbury’s best-ever overseas players as he continues to spearhead the London Road club’s Birmingham Cricket League first division promotion drive.
That’s the claim of Shrewsbury skipper Ed Foster, delighted that the popular Australian has started to come good with the bat to supplement his proven ability as a top quality spinner, writes STUART DUNN.
O’Connell starred in a new club record Birmingham League partnership of 218 with Dan Rees in last weekend’s convincing win at Stratford which sent Shrewsbury to the top of the division one table for the first time this season.
It was the latest in a string of eye-catching contributions from O’Connell who has ambitions of forcing his way into the star-studded Western Australia state side back home.
“He’s got to put together another season or two over there but he’s only just 23,” said Foster.
“Brad Hogg’s just retired so there’s a couple of spots for spinners in the WA set up. He’s doing really well for us again this season.
“We said all along we would like him to contribute a bit more with the bat this year and that’s what he’s done.
“I’m sure he’s still kicking himself for running himself out for 96 last weekend but the way he’s going I’m sure it won’t be long before he get a hundred.
“He’s certainly one of the best overseas players we’ve had, particularly for his consistency with the ball, and he really fits in well with the lads which is important.”
Shrewsbury’s impressive displays continue to delight Foster who agreed, on current form, there’s no reason why his team can’t go on and press for a treble this term.
Apart from leading division one, Shrewsbury are also through to the finals of both the Chronicle and the Birmingham League’s Twenty20 KO’s in what’s shaping up to be a memorable season.
“It’s a very realistic possibility,” he said. “We’re pretty much up there as one of the favourites in each of the competitions.
“We’re putting in good performances and we’ve started to become quite ruthless for the first time in a while.”
Shrewsburymake one enforced change for Saturday’s trip to Halesowen with contracted Warwickshire paceman Tom Allin replacing the unavailable James Gale.
SHREWSBURY: E. Foster, R. Foster, D. Rees, R. O’Connell, J. Shantry, J. Brydon, D. Manders, W. Merrick, T. Allin, M. Barnard, A. Blofield.