Nostalgia will be in the air when Shrewsbury Cricket Club celebrate the 25th anniversary of arguably the greatest day in their history at London Road next weekend – but before that the county towners hope to stay on course for promotion at Sutton Coldfield.
The current Birmingham League first division table-toppers will be hot favourites to improve their points tally at the expense of basement boys Sutton on Saturday.
And it promises to be a special day for county allrounder Rob Foster who will become only the fourth man to play 100 Birmingham League games for Shrewsbury, joining his brother Ed, Mark Davies and Jon Anders in a select club.
Shrewsbury make two changes from the team eventually washed out at home to Coventry & NW last Saturday.
James Gale – also set to join the ton-up club next weekend – and wicketkeeper Jack Brydon come in for Matt Swift and Alex Blofield, who’s off to the V Festival.
“Every game is crucial now,” said skipper Ed Foster.
“Sutton Coldfield are bottom so hopefully we can win the toss and put them in, bowl them out and knock off the runs to take maximum points.
“We’ve put in a good season so far but there are still six games to go.”
Foster added he was also looking forward to Saturday, August 23, when the successful Shrewsbury team who enjoyed Lord’s glory in 1983 – among them his dad John – will be reunited at the big local derby clash at home to Wellington.
Shrewsbury will be reflecting on their historic National KO victory over Hastings at cricket’s headquarters with the team brought back together to reminisce.
The Wellington game will be followed by a hog roast in the evening at a cost of £5 per head.
All club members, junior members, family and guests will be made welcome at London Road.
SHREWSBURY 1st XI (v Sutton Coldfield): E. Foster, D. Rees, R. O’Connell, R. Foster, J. Shantry, D. Manders, W. Merrick, J. Gale, J. Brydon, T. Allin, M. Barnard.