Shropshire’s cricketers have been urged to use the pain of their Minor Counties Trophy heartache to inspire their Championship fortunes tomorrow.

Holders Shropshire reinquished their grip on the one-day Trophy last week with an 11-run quarter final defeat to Cambridgeshire.

That has left all attention on the three-day format with Shropshire beginning their second encounter of the Championship season against Herefordshire at Bridgnorth tomorrow. Victory in a weather-affected game in Wales gave Shropshire a strong start, to their campaign and captain Ed Foster is eyeing more of the same .

“It could turn into a very disappointing season if we don’t get in the top three or four in the Championship,” said Foster.

“Hopefully we can play some good cricket and get the win.”A late decision will be made on who is omitted from the squad named in midweek, and whether home ground boy Jono Whitney or professional Chris Murtagh will open the batting with Foster.It also promises to be an interesting three days for two players in action at their home club.

Paceman Tom Weaver is likely to take the new ball for Shropshire as he makes his second county appearance at Cricket Meadow, – where he is also groundsman.

And Bridgnorth batsman David Exall is part of the Herefordshire team. Action on all three days is due to begin at 11am.