Shropshire captain James Ralph bowled over
Shropshire captain James Ralph believes the county has seen a glimpse of the future after seeing off Oxfordshire for their first league win of the season.
The Cats' young guns prevailed by 166 runs on the final day of their Minor Counties Championship Western Division clash at Bridgnorth yesterday.
A superb bowling attack skittled the visitors all out for just 54 in their second innings with Ross Aucott, in just his second appearance, taking 3-15.
It was Ralph's first game leading the side in his second spell as captain and the experienced 38-year-old insists the county's fate is in good hands.
He said: "I am just pleased that the new lads that have come in have all contributed and feel like a proper part of the team.
"The younger players coming through will have some confidence now and they could be involved with Shropshire cricket for years to come. They are the people we need to build a side around.
"Hopefully, we can take some momentum into our next game, having showed some real grit in a real good effort."
Ralph reckons the bowlers got their just desserts in the second innings, adding that 323-6 flattered Oxfordshire the first time around.
He also reserved praise for batsman Adrian Evans, also playing his second game, and the recalled Simon Gregory. They notched 57 and 46 respectively with the bat.
Ryan Lockley was also returning to the fold and made 74 and 57 over the two innings, with Ralph hailing what he feels was a real team effort.
He said: "I know the scores don't reflect it, but I think we bowled just as well in the first innings. They didn't get their reward then, they certainly did the second time around and deserved it.
"To only go for 325 in 90 overs when there was a near-200 run partnership was a good effort. All the way through the game, they bowled their lengths and into the right areas.
"It was set up, really, by some guts and determination from the lower order with the bat. In both innings, Ryan performed superbly and feels disappointed he didn't get a century.
"But it was his first game for a long time, so I am sure he will go on to get these 100s for the county. I am pleased for Ade and Simon Gregory, too, to be around the 50 mark in the second innings.
"I always thought that if we got over 200 we would be in with a shout, so to get 220 was fantastic. I knew it might not be enough and I never thought they would go down like that."
