It’s another huge weekend for Shrewsbury’s cricketers, with Saturday’s Birmingham League premier division basement battle at Leamington followed by a long trip to York in the quarter finals of the National KO 24 hours later.
Skipper Ed Foster revealed his side are really looking forward to both games, with Shrewsbury seeking a significant double boost to set them up nicely for the rest of the season.
All his thoughts are currently focused on the game at Leamington, 11 points better off than Shrewsbury, who slipped back into the relegation zone after losing at home to title contenders Wolverhampton last weekend.
“It’s a massive game for us and one we should be looking to win if we’re serious about staying in this league,” said Foster. “We beat them at home earlier in the season and we’ll be aiming to do it again.”
Foster hopes Australian professional Wes Robinson will be inspired to show the form he’s capable of as his only half century for Shrewsbury came against Leamington.
“Wes did well against them last time so hopefully that can be something to kick him on,” he said.
“I want all of our players to get more runs and Wes is no different. I’m confident he will still get runs and win us some games.”
Foster and his team will then travel straight from Leamington up to York to enjoy the rare luxury of an overnight stay ahead of Sunday’s big National KO last eight clash. “That will be nice and will make sure we’re ready to go,” he said.
“It’s another big game and this is the furthest we’ve gone in the competition since winning it in 1983.”
Should Shrewsbury win, they would finally receive the advantage of a home tie in the semis against either Chester-le-Street or Ormskirk.
Shrewsbury are boosted by the return of young county spinner Alex Blofield in place of Jon Anders for the league match at Leamington, with Anders and Matt McKeever drafted into the side at York to replace the ineligible Robinson and unavailable Tom Allin.
SHREWSBURY (v Leamington): E. Foster, R. Bishop, W. Robinson, R. Foster, J. Leach, W. Parton, D. Manders, A. Blofield, T. Allin, M. Barnard, E. Green.