Maunders the new county pro
Former Leicestershire and Middlesex batsman John Maunders was today unveiled as Shropshire's new cricket professional. Former Leicestershire and Middlesex batsman John Maunders was today unveiled as Shropshire's new cricket professional. The 26-year-old has joined the Minor Counties set-up on an initial match-by-match basis after spending eight years and playing 69 matches in the First Class game. The left-hander has scored more than 4,000 runs in Championship and one-day cricket for Leicestershire and Middlesex at an average of just under 30, and will open the batting for Shropshire in Minor Counties Championship and MCCA Knockout matches. Read the full story in today's Shropshire Star
Former Leicestershire and Middlesex batsman John Maunders was today unveiled as Shropshire's new cricket professional.
The 26-year-old has joined the Minor Counties set-up on an initial match-by-match basis after spending eight years and playing 69 matches in the First Class game.
The left-hander has scored more than 4,000 runs in Championship and one-day cricket for Leicestershire and Middlesex at an average of just under 30, and will open the batting for Shropshire in Minor Counties Championship and MCCA Knockout matches.
"It's an excellent signing for us and we are really looking forward to welcoming John into the team," said chairman of selectors Trevor Sheperd.
"We have had very good reports about him and Bryan Jones (selector) has spoken to Tim Boon (coach) at Leicesterershire and he speaks very highly of him."
Maunders began his career at Middlesex in 1999 and moved on to Leicestershire in 2003 before being released from Grace Road at the end of last season.
He has also represented England at age group levels, and played in the under-19 World Cup in 2000.
Despite leaving Shifnal, off-spinning all-rounder Andy Gray will remain as part of the Shropshire squad this year, while the services of Kidderminster bowler Ted Baylis have also been secured.
Former Worcestershire all-rounder Duncan Catterall will also be available for one-day games.
Plans are also in place for 22 potential county players to attend pre-season net sessions at Wrekin College, and committee member Toby Shaw believes that is a sign of growing professionalism within the camp.
"Letters have been sent out to 22 players about attending nets with coach Rod Jones who will analyse the strengths and weaknesses of every game," said Toby Shaw, marketing and sponsorship co-ordinator.
"We have got a good young core of Shropshire players and with James coming in as well, I think their is a real professionalism about the set-up now. We want success, all the players are desperate to be part of the team and we are excited at what lies ahead."
