Shropshire Star

Small ground a big test for Shifnal

In-form Shifnal have been warned they face a 'quirky' test when they go to Barnards Green.

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Shifnal have won two of their first three games back in Division One and sit in third place.

But they face an opponent tomorrow who include Worcestershire duo George Rhodes and Josh Tongue.

Shifnal skipper Tom Collins said: "We have only played them once before and I think they have quite a new side as well.

"It's a quirky ground and they make the most of home advantage. We will have to be on our game to get a result.

"It's very small, 35/40 yards straight at three or four points. We struggled with that when we played there last time so our bowlers will need to bowl to plans."

Collins is delighted with the start his side have made and is confident they can maintain their momentum.

"It's no surprise Smethwick are top as we knew they would be strong, but we have given ourselves a platform to push on," he added.

"You come up against top contracted players in this league, whereas I think we have a more stable side and strength in depth.

"Against Bromsgrove last week, once we got their top three out it was game over.

"I'm happy with what we have and that we can still be in this position come halfway or towards the end of the season. We have six or seven match-winners."

Collins will miss the game so Chris Murrall will take over the captaincy and Charlie Home also returns.

Shifnal are also in action tonight (6.15pm) when they face Shrewsbury at London Road in the second round of the ECB National Club T20.

The two sides had been scheduled to meet in the ECB National Club Championship last weekend but Shifnal were forced to concede the game due to player unavailability.