Excited Shrewsbury skipper Ed Foster believes being crowned Birmingham Cricket League champions this weekend would rival the greatest moment in the London Road club’s proud history.
Foster, whose dad John was part of the side which won the National KO trophy at Lord’s 27 years ago, leads Shrewsbury into their final premier division match of the season at Kidderminster on Saturday. And the stakes could not be higher as the county towners get ready for a straight title shootout.
Shrewsbury are a point clear of Kidderminster in pole position, with long-time table-toppers Knowle & Dorridge, who close their campaign at Wellington, also one point off the pace.
But, effectively, should Shrewsbury get the better of Kidderminster, they will be celebrating an outstanding achievement come Saturday evening.
“It would rival the club’s National KO victory at Lord’s in 1983, in my opinion,” said Foster, who has already captained Shropshire to MCCA Trophy glory this season.
“The Birmingham League is arguably the strongest league anywhere in the country and it would be a fantastic achievement to win it.”
Foster, who is able to name Shrewsbury’s strongest side for their day of destiny, admitted a long season’s cricket could not have come down to a more dramatic conclusion.
“The fact it’s Kidderminster we’re playing and that they’re also going for the title makes it better for us than playing a mid-table team who would have nothing to lose,” said the prolific opening batsman.
“Kidderminster will be wary of us and whoever wins the toss on Saturday will have to bat first. The team batting second will have to go for it so it really is a straight shootout for the title.”
The weather could yet play a part and Foster readily admits he wouldn’t be too unhappy if the heavens opened across the region.
“If it chucked it down all over the Midlands on Saturday, monsoon-like, we would take it,” he stressed.
“But it would be nice to win it properly by beating Kidderminster in our final match and being able to celebrate afterwards.
“A few weeks ago our chances were very slim and we were around 40 points behind Knowle & Dorridge at one stage. Our last few performances have not been brilliant, the bowling and fielding, but we’ve been able to scrap our way to a few victories.”
Shrewsbury hope to be boosted by the presence of Jack Shantry, who is currently playing in a four-day County Championship match for Worcestershire against Middlesex at Lord’s, while they have also selected Shropshire paceman Mike Barnard even though he’s not fully fit.
If all goes to plan, the final weekend of the season could be one of double celebration as Shrewsbury host Himley in the Graham Williamson Trophy final on Sunday (12.30pm start).
The 40 overs per side contest will see both sides wearing coloured kit.
SHREWSBURY (v Kidderminster): E. Foster, R. Bishop, W. Parton, J. Leach, R. Foster, T. Cox, J. Shantry, S. Barnard, P. Donaldson, M. Barnard, E. Green.
by Stuart Dunn