Shifnal out to bring Gray back to earth

Shifnal attempt to derail Walsall's bid for an historic third successive Birmingham League premier division championship tomorrow - and master Shropshire's newly crowned record breaking bowler.

Walsall arrive at Priorslee Road in fourth position and handily placed to challenge for the title they won in 2006 and 2007.

And they will include in their ranks Andy Gray, the former Shifnal spinner who became the first Shropshire player to take nine Minor Counties wickets in an innings in the western division defeat to Cornwall earlier this week.

"I'm sure Andy will be buoyant after that and he has always enjoyed bowling at Shifnal," said manager Chris Cadman."But we are just focusing on our own performance in what will be a very tough game."

Cadman is keen for his side to transfer their excellent form in the shorter version of the game into league cricket.

"We have won seven games of knockout cricket in the Graham Williamson Trophy, the National Knockout and various Twenty20 games so that shows there isn't too much wrong," he added.

"We are going to have to be mentally tough tomorrow because Walsall are a very strong side.

"They may not have the superstars, of say a Knowle & Dorridge, but they have got the winning formula."

Anthony Parker returns behind the stumps to replace Andy Heal in the only change.

St Georges aim to remain on the trail of the leading pack in division two as they make the trip to struggling Water Orton.

The Dragons lie in fifth place - and skipper Matt Tilt is encouraged by his improvements in his side's batting performances in the last two weeks.

"We had a good chase against Ombersley two weeks ago and then batted well against (leaders) Penn last week so we are looking for that to continue," said Tilt, who brings in Lewis Sedgley and Ben Byram for Carl Ward and Neil Bradburne.

Newport, fresh from their first win of the league season over Aston Unity, make the trip to Berkswell.