Shropshire focus on youth after painful defeat
Shropshire today insisted they are building for a brighter future after a second Midland Counties Championship Western Division defeat from two games.
Herefordshire prevailed by 260 runs after three days of action at Shifnal Cricket Club, their respective innings' collapsing for 143 and 113.
The visitors posted 152 and a whopping 364-9 after opening the batting, punishing Shropshire when they failed to turn the screw first time around.
The county fielded three new debutants in batsman Joe Carrasco and Adrian Evans, along with all-rounder Ross Aucott, with all learning on the job in difficult circumstances.
They came in through a raft of unavailability, with coach Karl Krikken conceding new blood may have turned to for the rest of the season.
He said: "Depending on what the board of directors want to do, it might be time to play a few of the kids and see what's around.
"A few of the guys did reasonably well, Ross batted and bowled decent spells and Joe had his moments as an opener. Ade deserved his chance, too.
"New players are the future of Shropshire cricket and this could be their opportunity. There's a bigger picture to look at.
"There's been a kickback from the players who weren't available in this game, which happens when you don't have that core of experience. That was reflected in the batting.
"Patience is key, we will have a go in a couple of weeks time against Oxfordshire at Bridgnorth and see what side we can get out there."
James Ralph was one of the most experienced players on show and has seen the likes of captain Richard Oliver depart the county team since the season began.
The Bridgnorth batsman may be considered for the captaincy, if new skipper Anthony Parker's work commitments as assistant head groundsman at Wolves rule him out of the role.
He said: "That would be an honour, but it's not for me to decide. There are plenty of players in the dressing room who would want to do it.
"We had three players come in for the last game and the same for this. We might use another couple next time, but I expect this to mainly be the side that plays the rest of the season.
"We are a side in transition, but we need to stick together and learn from these things."
