Shrophire hope for winning start

Saturday 6th June 2009, 1:00PM BST.

Captain James Ralph is eyeing a minimum of four victories from six games as Shropshire prepare to launch their Minor Counties Championship campaign tomorrow.

Ralph takes his team to Eastnor for an opening three-day clash against Herefordshire looking to improve on last season’s sixth place finish in the 10-team western division.

And Ralph is hoping for the perfect start against opponents Shropshire beat by eight wickets last term.

“Herefordshire have got a reasonably strong team out but it’s important to try and win your first couple of games in this format,” said Ralph.

Shropshire make the trip to their near neighbours without opening batsman Ed Foster, Jack Shantry and Ted Bayliss. But they are boosted by the return of young Shrewsbury fast bowler Mike Barnard.

View more: Minor Counties news.