Final Knock-out Trophy match can slingshot Shropshire into three-day Championship

Although they can’t qualify out of their group, director of cricket Karl Krikken says it’s important to build some momentum after beating Wales last time out.

And he’s hoping his side’s impressive bowling and fielding in the one-day format will continue when the Unicorns Championship Western Division starts on Sunday, June 4.

“We’ve been successful more successful in the three-day stuff than the one-day stuff in the last few years,” he said. “Hopefully that will be the case again.

“We want to make it a couple of wins on the bounce going into the at first three-dayer. It will give us momentum.

“Our bowling and fielding in the one day game has been as good as I’ve seen it in the last few years. It’s just been the batting that’s failed us in the two games we’ve lost.

“The game against Wales wasn’t perfect but it went some way in showing us that we can chase a total and we can score runs. That’s got to give confidence to the team.”

Although Krikken already has an idea of the XI he wants to play in the Championship, he admitted that selection could be out of his hands.

“We know the side we want to play, but with minor counties cricket, sometimes you can’t pick the side you want,” he said.

“The guys are affiliated with counties, and if someone does really well, you’ve got to let them go with your blessing. If Northants want one of our players then they get them.”