Shrewsbury have made their first signing since gaining promotion back to the Birmingham and District Cricket League’s premier division by swooping for highly-rated Worcestershire Academy prospect Joe Leach.
The 17-year-old allrounder, equally strong with bat and ball, captains Shrewsbury School’s first XI and previously played his club cricket for Stone.
Leach made his Minor Counties debut for Staffordshire in July, helping them to victory at Buckinghamshire by hitting 48 in the first innings.
And he also played twice for Worcestershire’s second XI this summer, cracking half centuries against Surrey and Warwickshire to underline his exciting potential.
By making the switch to London Road, Leach will have the chance to play at a higher standard and also link up with Alex Blofield, a team-mate for both Shrewsbury School and Worcestershire’s Academy.
“One or two other premier division clubs were after him so we’re pleased to have got Joe,” said Shrewsbury chairman Andy Barnard. “He’s trying to follow what Jimmy Taylor (another Shrewsbury old boy) did and he’s hoping to get a first class contract.
“He’s the right age and we’re trying more and more to turn out talented, ambitious young lads.
“He’ll miss most of the first half of the season due to his school commitments but he’s a good signing and we’re keen to add some weight to the squad.”
Meanwhile, Barnard said his son Michael, 18, was enjoying every minute of his Australian adventure having become the latest Shrewsbury youngster to spend the English winter with Perth club Claremont Nedlands.
The paceman, who made the breakthrough to the Shropshire side last season, has made a positive impact since arriving in Perth.
“He’s doing well and is playing third grade, the same level as Ed Foster started when he first went over, which is probably equivalent to what our first team play at,” said Barnard senior. “He’s played on five or six weekends and last Saturday took 5-40 against Midland Guildford.
“He’s bowling well and is hoping to get some second team games. It’s a very good standard over there with all the pros playing first grade and then the second grade is probably like Minor Counties level over here.”