It’s a top-of-the table clash tomorrow in the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League as leaders Madeley host unbeaten Wem, who are hot on their heels in second place.

With a slight gap developing between the top two sides and the chasing pack, Saturday’s game could be decisive in the early promotion picture.

And Wem Cricket Club general manager Martin Gaunt is fully aware of the impact a victory will have on the early league table.

“If we win we will give ourselves a nice little cushion which is always important whatever the time of season,” he said.

“We’re two evenly matched teams and we know each other fairly well so it should be a good game.

“We know it will be a tough test but they will probably be thinking that as well.”

Gaunt added that the performance of the bowling attack, which skittled Bomere Heath out for just 102 last weekend, has been a key to their early-season form.

He said: “Our bowlers are performing very well. The wickets are being shared around as well which is great – we’re not just relying on one man and that always helps.

“I think we’ve bowled out four sides this season so that just shows how well they’re doing.

“We’ve stuck to the same formula and the same bowling unit so everyone knows their jobs and knows  their roles in the team.”

Relaxed

Gaunt added that the side’s new laid-back approach to cricket appeared to be paying dividends.

“We’re going into every game with a relaxed attitude and it seems to be working,” he added.

“It’s a good team to play in at the moment and everyone seems to be enjoying it.

“We seem to have found the right balance. We’ve got a couple of older heads who have the experience and we’ve also got quite a few youngsters who have that energy and everyone is working well together.”

Madeley have been something of a surprise package this term and sit top of the table with four wins from their opening five fixtures, but skipper Andrew Lloyd has warned his charges against complacency.

“We won’t be getting too carried away,” he sad.

“We’ve had a good start to the season but there is still a long way to go.

“If we are still in this position after the halfway mark rather than after five games then maybe we can start to look at winning the league.”
He added he was expecting a tough test from a strong Wem side.

“It will be a difficult game but we’re in great spirits and are playing really well,” he said.

“We’ve got the same side as last week and we’ll just be trying to carry on winning games.”