Skipper Ed Foster is looking to transfer his blistering county form into club action as he leads Shrewsbury into another big double-header this weekend – revealing he’s targeting 800 runs for the London Roaders this term.
The Shropshire opener cracked his maiden Minor Counties ton last Sunday, a glorious 145 against Devon in a rain ravaged match at Shifnal, and he hopes to pick up where he left off as Shrewsbury set their sights on climbing off the foot of the Birmingham League’s premier division table.
Shrewsbury hinted at their capabilities with a stunning victory over leaders Knowle & Dorridge last weekend, a result which sets them up nicely for Saturday’s home clash against a Barnt Green side captained by ex-Warwickshire star Dougie Brown followed by Sunday’s rearranged National KO trip to Walsall.
Foster admits he’s looking forward to both games and is determined to carry on leading from the front with the bat. It’s been a good week personally and a good one for Shrewsbury with the win against Knowle,” he said.
“It was nice to get my first Shropshire century out of the way and I was pleased with the way I played.
“Last season was a pretty shocking one for me to be honest but this year I’ve got on with it and I’m enjoying it.”
Revenge
Foster registered four half centuries in the early weeks of the season but has found runs harder to come by at club level in recent weeks, something he’s keen to rectify.
“It’s about time I got stuck in again and I want to kick on,” he said. “I want to get to 800 runs if I can as that would be a good return.”
Shrewsbury have a strong look to them as they seek revenge against a Barnt Green side who beat them by one wicket in the last over on the opening day of the season.
Cardiff University opener Ryan Bishop and wicketkeeper Will Parton both return with James Gale and Tom Cox the men to make way.
While league points are the main priority, Foster is also keen that Shrewsbury extend their fine run in the National KO as they prepare to lock horns with Walsall again, the original tie having been washed out with Shrewsbury well on top.
Should they prevail on Sunday, they would be away to league rivals Walmley in the last 16.
SHREWSBURY (v Barnt Green): E. Foster, R. Bishop, W. Robinson, R. Foster, W. Parton, J. Leach, T. Allin, D. Manders, A. Blofield, M. Barnard, E. Green.
For Sunday’s National KO tie at Walsall, Jon Anders and Gale come in for Alex Blofield, who is on Shropshire under-17 duty, and Aussie Wes Robinson as overseas players are ineligible for the competition.