Shropshire cricket captain Foster aims for top four

Shropshire launch their Minor Counties Championship campaign tomorrow, with captain Ed Foster targeting a top-four finish.

The Western Division programme begins with a home clash against Cheshire at Bridgnorth.

Shropshire have laboured to eighth and joint-sixth finishes in the 10-team division over the last two seasons.

But Foster is confident his side can mount a more sustained challenge this time around.

“If we play the cricket we are capable of, I think we can finish in the top four,” he said. “You need the rub of the green and luck with the weather but we want to concentrate on performing well.

“The frustrating thing over the last two seasons is that we should have won our first three games in both years and you are then in a very strong position to win the league.

“It’s a tough start because Cheshire have been one of the strongest sides and have won the division quite a few times over the past decade.”

Shropshire will field two professionals at Cricket Meadow with Hampshire batsman Bilal Shafayat and former Worcestershire and Middlesex paceman Chris Whelan bolstering the home-grown squad.

And Foster has confirmed Richard Oliver, formerly of Whitchurch and now playing his club cricket in the south east for Reigate Priory, will be promoted from the middle order to open the batting.

“It’s not Richard’s most natural position but he has got the opportunity and he’s good enough to do it,” added Foster.

Play starts at 11am tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday. Admission is free.