There’s still time for village cricket teams to enter an exciting new competition launched by the Shropshire Star and the Shropshire Cricket Board.

The inaugural Shropshire Star Village Cricket Cup will take place this summer with £500 in prize money up for grabs.

The initial deadline for the competition was December 31, and more than 20 clubs have already entered.

But Shropshire Cricket Board administrator Steve Aston said any other clubs who still wanted to enter should get in touch with him by Saturday, January 12, and they would be considered.

And he stressed that the competition was aimed at the smaller clubs in the county – with none of the big guns from the Birmingham Midshires League or the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League involved.

He said: “I have spoken to some clubs and they were a bit reluctant to enter because they thought they wouldn’t have a chance against the likes of Wellington and Shifnal.

“But this is a competition aimed at the smaller clubs in the county and gives them the opportunity to compete for a superb prize.

“With 24 teams already signed up, it would be great if we could get that up to 32 so we could have a full first round draw. ”

There will be £350 for the winners with £150 for the runners-up in a competition which mirrors the National Village Knockout.

The games will be played on Sundays and each one will be over 40 overs per side, weather permitting, with each bowler allowed a maximum of eight overs.

The first final will take place at Shrewsbury Cricket Club’s London Road either at the end of August or beginning of September.

Star Sports Editor Dave Ballinger said: “We are delighted to sponsor this new competition promoting village cricket in Shropshire.

“All the fixtures and results will be featured in the Shropshire Star as the competition progresses towards its thrilling climax.

“Hopefully the Shropshire Star Village Cricket Knockout will become a fixture for years to come.”

Any club interested in taking part can contact Steve Aston on 07775 814383 or at the Shropshire Cricket Board office at Wrekin College at Wellington on 01952 265676.