Steve Leach finally hopes to get the chance to make his Birmingham League premier division debut for Shrewsbury in this weekend’s double-header as the London Roaders bid to crank up their title challenge.
Batsman Leach, the younger brother of Shrewsbury regular Joe, has been selected to play at both Moseley on Saturday and county rivals Wellington on Monday.
Now the talented teenager will have his fingers firmly crossed that the poor weather of recent weeks finally relents to enable him to show what he can do at senior level.
“Steve’s been our bad weather jinx,” smiled Shrewsbury skipper Ed Foster.
“He’s been picked to play for the first team three times but each game has been washed out, including our last two matches at Barnt Green and at home to Himley last weekend.
“Steve’s a very good player with a lot of ability, just like his brother, and he’s been in good form this season for our second team and also Shropshire under-17s so he deserves a chance.
“He’ll be a big player for us in the coming seasons, as will a few of the other young lads who have done well for the seconds.”
Foster admitted the recent inactivity at the hands of the weather had been frustrating, but insisted his second-placed side still have plenty to play for as they aim to catch leaders Knowle & Dorridge, currently 30 points better off, over the final four games of the season.
“Our season isn’t over and it’s about pushing Knowle all the way,” he said.
“A lot can change with two games in a short space of time over a Bank Holiday weekend and everything will be clearer after it.
“Hopefully we can win both of our games and take advantage of any slip- ups Knowle might make.”
Foster added Monday’s trip to Wellington needed no building up and he’s hoping a big crowd will watch the action at Orleton Park, but he’s currently focusing on adding to Moseley’s problems.
“We won quite convincingly at Moseley last year and we’ll be looking to do the same again,” said the skipper.
“Moseley will be trying a bit harder than usual given their league position.”
Meanwhile, Shrewsbury’s second XI, also rained off last Saturday, face two home games over the Bank Holiday weekend as they bid to stay clear of the relegation zone in the reserve premier division.
They host Moseley II on Saturday and Shifnal II on Monday (both 12.30pm starts).SHREWSBURY 1st XI (v Moseley and Wellington): E. Foster, R. Bishop, W. Parton, R. Foster, J. Leach, T. Cox, S. Leach, A. Blofield, S. Barnard, P. Donaldson, E. Green.
By Stuart Dunn