Shropshire's Aucott backed for Pears future
Shropshire batsman Ross Aucott was hailed as the next Worcestershire export in the making after his first county half century last night.
The Wrekin College graduate hit 51 off 32 balls, as Shropshire went down by 36 runs to the Pears in a Twenty20 challenge at Bridgnorth.
Shropshire, who boasted four current Worcestershire players on the night, fell short against the professionals chasing 236-2, finishing on 200-6.
And the 19-year-old has been backed to follow Jack Shantry, Joe Leach, England Under-19 international Ed Barnard and Joe Clarke – who all turned out for the Minor Counties side last night – into the Worcestershire set-up.
Shropshire captain James Ralph said: "On the batting side Ross and Ed batted very well, as did Simon Gregory at the end.
"It's up to Ross to keep putting those performances in on a Saturday to make himself known. That's how Richard Oliver got his chance, by scoring runs for Shropshire.
"You have to keep scoring runs and making yourself known, so it's up to him to grab that chance.
"He didn't do himself any harm last night though, he struck the ball really well and he's a really talented cricketer."
Shropshire coach Karl Krikken said: "Ross did really well . You want your players to progress to the pro ranks and to be a Worcester player.
"It's a good opportunity to show what you can do and Ross's innings will have been noted I'm sure."
Ralph, who plays for hosts Bridgnorth, was delighted the short format of the game proved such a highlight for the 500-plus crowd.
He said: "We had the weather and the turn-out and, as a club, couldn't ask for any more with the show that's been put on."
