Shropshire cricket was today gearing up for its very own Super Sunday – with two county teams pushing for national glory.

Much of the attention tomorrow will fall on London Road where Shrewsbury play their biggest game in almost 30 years when they host Chester-le-Street in the semi-finals of the National Knockout.

And over at Whitchurch, Shropshire will be beginning their push for victory in the crucial three-day Minor Counties Championship clash with rivals Cheshire, with victory for either side giving them a chance of snatching the western division title.

A bumper crowd in excess of 500 is expected at Shrewsbury as they aim to move into their second National Knockout final.

The run to the last four of a tournament, which began with more than 500 teams, has evoked memories of 1983 when Shrewsbury became the only Shropshire team to win the competition courtesy of victory over Hastings at Lord’s in the final.

Jon Foster, Andy Barnard and Steve Gale were three of the players on that famous day – and their sons are all part of the 13-man squad tomorrow.

And, while there is some disappointment that the final has been taken away from Lord’s for the first time in recent memory, captain Ed Foster is determined for his side to grasp their chance at creating history and book their place in the September showpiece at Derby.

“The club hasn’t had a game of this magnitude since 1983 which shows you how rarely they come around,” said captain Foster today.

“Everyone in the club, the town and the county is really looking forward to it.

“We know Chester-le-Street are a good team to have reached this far but the same goes for us.

“Hopefully when we get out there, the occasion won’t affect the lads and we can perform to the levels we know we can.”

Tomorrow’s 45-overs-per-side affair gets underway at 1pm – by which time Shropshire will be nearing lunch on the opening day of their crunch showdown with Cheshire (11am).

Both sides must realistically win at Heath Road – and then hope current leaders Cornwall lose at Wales to have chance of snatching a title Shropshire have only won once in their history in 1973.

“We have to go into the game believing if we win, that will be enough to win the league,” said captain James Ralph.

“Even if Cornwall don’t lose, we want to finish as high as we can so I’m not really interested in the draw.

“We both need to win and that should make for an entertaining game.”

Shropshire will have to do without their three Shrewsbury players, Ed and Rob Foster and Michael Barnard who will be playing against Chester-le-Street, and Ted Bayliss who is part of the Kidderminster team playing in the final of the Graham Williamson Trophy.

But Shifnal seamer Adam Shimmons returns.

l There is another big date in the cricketing calender tomorrow as Allscott play Reman Services in the final of the Chronicle Knockout at Bomere Heath (12.30pm).