Shropshire have been given the green light to field key allrounder Joe Leach in the final of the Minor Counties Trophy, writes JAMES GARRISON.

The availability of Leach has been limited this season by appearances for Worcestershire second XI.

But delighted Shropshire officials have learned that the Shrewsbury middle-order batsman and medium-pace bowler can be considered for the one-day showpiece against Lincolnshire at Durham two weeks today.

“Worcestershire are playing Lancashire in a second team game that week but they have granted permission for Joe to play,” said captain Ed Foster.

“He is available for selection and that’s good news for us because Joe has done well when he has played for Shropshire this year and is in good form for Shrewsbury.”

Meanwhile, Bridgnorth allrounder Jono Whitney has overcome an elbow problem to take his place back in the team for this weekend’s penultimate Minor Counties Championship game which starts on Sunday against Berkshire at Shrewsbury.

He replaces Shrewsbury’s Will Parton, having had to sit out the rain-affected draw with Cornwall last week.

The full team is: Ed Foster (Shrewsbury, captain), Alex Huxley (Oswestry), Chris Murtagh (Reigate), Rob Foster (Shrewsbury), Jono Whitney (Bridgnorth), Richard Oliver (Whitchurch), Andy Gray (Alvaston & Boulton), Matt Tilt, Steve Taylor (both St Georges), Jonty Mountford (Shifnal), Dan Bowen (Whitchurch).