Shrewsbury facing triple-header

The star turns of Shrewsbury are out in force as they prepare for an important early-season Bank Holiday triple-header.

The London Road men have two home games in the Birmingham League premier division, against Leamington on Saturday and Himley on Monday as they look to climb off the bottom of the table.

And sandwiched in between those is a National Knockout clash at Derbyshire side Lullington on Sunday.

Batsman Ryan Bishop, a Cardiff University colleague of Rob Foster, makes his debut for the club tomorrow and is available for all three games.

And a third member of the Welsh contingent, Warwickshire contracted bowler Tom Allin, makes his seasonal bow against Leamington but will miss the two other encounters.

“We have got some strong looking teams on paper for the three games so we are all looking forward to it,” said captain Ed Foster.

“We have put in two good performances in the games we have played against Barnt Green and Walsall so hopefully we can turn that into points now.”

Staffordshire all-rounder Joe Leach is also making his first league appearance for the club.

Third placed Wellington will wait until the last possible moment before finalising their selection plans for the division one trip to Attock tomorrow and the home clash with Old Hill on Monday.

Australian Sean Clingeleffer has still not received his visa and is set to miss the two games, while Orleton Park officials are awaiting confirmation from Gloucestershire over whether contracted player Kadeer Ali will be available for either game.

It is hoped Simon Harding may also recover from a knee problem in time to play on Monday.

“We are pleased with the start we made and we think we will have a better idea about how the league will pan out after this weekend when there is five games gone,” said spokesman Terry O’Connor.

Shifnal have made a strong start to the campaign and will be looking for more of the same when they entertain Dorridge tomorrow and Harborne on Monday.

Wicket-keeper Anthony Parker comes back into the side, while former county captains Guy Home and Bryan Jones bolster the batting.

Seam bowler Jonty Mountford continues to battle a groin problem so will play for the seconds tomorrow with a view to stepping up to first team duty on Monday.

By JAMES GARRISON