Fosters add sparkle to county's must win bid

Foster brothers Ed and Rob are back in the Shropshire fold for the must-win Minor Counties Championship clash at Dorset.

The duo were both missing for last month's draw at Berkshire, Ed through unavailability and Rob through illness.

But they return as part of a 12-man squad for the three-day western division clash in Bournemouth, which starts on Sunday, with Oswestry spinner Mark Robinson the man to make way.

Shropshire must beat Dorset and then repeat the trick in their home clash with Cheshire at Whitchurch at the end of the month to keep their title hopes alive.

Batsman Ed Foster's return will be a particular boost to their prospects, the Shrewsbury captain is in super form this season.

He recorded his maiden championship century against Devon at Shifnal at the start of last month, and smashed another ton last Sunday to help steer his club side into the semi-finals of the Cockspur Cup.

"It's still very open and everyone in the division has still got a chance because no-one is winning too many games," said selector Peter Bradley.

"If one of us can finish with two wins then that might just do it. We will certainly be giving it a good go."

Shropshire squad: James Ralph (Kidderminster, captain), Ed Foster, Rob Foster (both Shrewsbury), Matt Tilt, Steve Taylor (both St Georges), Jono Whitney (Bridgnorth), Ted Bayliss (Kidderminster), Atiq Chishti (Knowle & Dorridge), Richard Oliver (Whitchurch), Michael Barnard (Shrewsbury), Andy Gray (Walsall), Bruce Thomason (Shifnal).