Wellington will have to cope without talented young opener Simon Harding for the next three weeks – but are hoping for a First Class replacement for tomorrow’s visit of Smethwick.

Harding suffered a knee injury in the warm-up ahead of last week’s six-wicket reverse against Stratford which forced the Orleton Park men to take to the field with just 10 men.

Harding now faces a spell on the sidelines, but Wellington are hoping to call on contracted player Kadeer Ali as they host last season’s division two champions.

“It all depends whether Kadeer was playing for Gloucestershire in a day night Friends Provident game at Sussex this afternoon,” said spokesman Terry O’Connor.

“If he doesn’t he will be available for us. Simon is a big loss because he is a very promising batsman.”

Wellington are also waiting to learn if Mark Downes will be able to bowl after injury restricted him to a batting-only role last week.

Stuart Black is also unavailable so Dennis Hampton comes in.

Shifnal have a number of injury concerns ahead of their trip to Halesowen tomorrow.

Tony Parton pulled a calf muscle while wicketkeeping in last week’s win at home to Old Hill, forcing him to use a runner when batting, though he hopes to be involved at Halesowen.

Jonty Mountford pulled a thigh muscle and is definitely ruled out, while Adrian Collins dislocated his shoulder in the same game.

Regular wicketkeeper Anthony Parker is also ruled out due to work commitments for the second week running.

Bryan Jones and Will Clarke both come into the side and skipper Adam Shimmons remains confident.

“Halesowen knocked off a big total last week but they can be a bit hit-and-miss,” he said.

Shrewsbury make the trip to Wolverhampton for another big game in the premier division, having got a losing draw out of their meeting with defending champions Walsall last week.

They make two changes to their line-up, with Will Parton and Jon Anders both unavailable.

Coming in to take their places are Steve Wilderspin and George Gibbons, who will make his premier division bow following his close season arrival from Whitchurch.

“George bowled well in pre-season and then twisted his knee, so it’s good to have him back,” said skipper Ed Foster.

“Steve got a few runs for the seconds last week as well. Wolverhampton are a decent side with some good young players so it will be a big test for us.”

By JAMES GARRISON