Birmingham Cricket League champions Shrewsbury have swooped to sign exciting Shropshire paceman Dan Bowen from Whitchurch as they aim to build on this year’s stunning title success.
Ed Foster, the Shrewsbury and Shropshire captain, said he was delighted to have enticed Bowen to London Road and believes the 22-year-old right-arm fast bowler will help strengthen the club’s attack.
Dan Bowen.
“I’m sure Dan will do well for us and will put in some very good performances,” said Foster. “We’ve had a couple of chats since the end of last season and both Dan and myself feel this is a good chance for him to challenge himself and take the next step up.”
Bowen had been playing second division cricket with Whitchurch under his dad Simon, the captain of the north Shropshire club, but Foster has no doubts he will handle the demands of life in the premier division given the way he quickly adjusted to Minor Counties cricket after his call-up to the Shropshire side.
“Dan made his Shropshire debut this year and did very well,” said Foster. “He actually set a new one-day record for the county when he took 6-25 against Staffordshire.
“By bringing him in we’ve ticked the main box we wanted to as regards local recruitment this year.”
Foster added Shrewsbury had yet to decide what direction they were going to move in with an overseas player next season.
But he confirmed he was pleased with the home-grown talent he now has at his disposal as the county towners look to follow up this year’s thrilling premier division title triumph which saw them crowned champs for the first time after a dramatic final day victory at Kidderminster in September.
“I’m very pleased with the make up of the side,” insisted Foster. “We needed to get a local seam bowler in as we were short at times last season when Mike Barnard was out injured. I even had to bowl myself in some games.
“We’ve got a strong batting line-up, three quality spinners and now the seam department looks strong as well with Dan Bowen and Mike Barnard.
“There’s also Jack Shantry when he’s not playing for Worcestershire and Joe Leach, too, so that looks very good.
“We’ve also got some exciting youngsters coming through like Matt Swift, Steve Leach and Steve Barnard so we’ll be looking to get them involved next season.”
by Stuart Dunn