James Wojda could prove to be a shrewd acquisition

The London Roaders have brought in cricket coach James Wojda from Whitchurch as they prepare for a return to competitive Birmingham League action in 2021, in which promotion and relegation has returned.

Shrewsbury have decided against bringing in an overseas professional this season. Their playing squad has not altered from the side that took part in last year’s shortened and adapted Graham Williamson Trophy, which comprised of regionalised groups.

But the format returns to normal this season and Shrewsbury – who finished second in the top flight in 2019 – are poised to go in Premier Division One, and hope Wojda’s addition will boost theri chances of success.

“We wanted to bring in someone to help us play better cricket as a team, so we brought in James Wojda from Whitchurch, who’s a club coach,” explained Salop first-team captain Will Parton.

“He’s going to run our training on Thursdays and come with us on matchday, he hopefully can point out things to work on and help us.

“The overseas we have is someone who gets a job, we don’t pay them wages, they get accommodation and they pay their way.

“This is more of a club cricket-positive move, for the development of our cricket, rather than someone who might win us one game a season.”

Parton is aware that Shrewsbury face some stern competition in the league’s top flight this term. Their season starts with a 50-over white ball contest at Knowle & Dorridge tomorrow.

“We didn’t play as well as we wanted last year (in the shortened format), the last time the league was played we came second,” Parton added.

“Everyone is buzzing for a full season,” he said. “It’s nearly back to normal, as normal as we can get. Last year was cricket for the sake of cricket, we were grateful to play, but there was a little bit missing from a normal season.”

“The rest of the sides are really strong and have strengthened a lot, there’s a lot of signings around, I reckon all the top sides have made at least four positive signings. Tim Bresnan signed for Knowle & Dorridge.

“Berkswell have made a lot, Ombersley have made a few, Barnt Green have made a few, West Brom are really strong too.

“So it’s hard to say really, we haven’t played in so long, I guess we don’t really know where we’re at as a side. We can’t get carried away and say we’re going to go one better this year, it’s a bit of an unknown.”

Bowler George Garrett, 21, who has penned a new two-year deal with Warwickshire, will be Shrewsbury’s contracted player alongside county team-mate Dillon Pennington and Worcestershire’s Ed Barnard, who are both hometown stars.

Batting starlet George Hargrave will be a boost once returning from university, Shrewsbury School teacher Rhodri Evans returns after missing last year due to the pandemic.

Continuity will be the key for Shifnal this summer.

Chris Murrall will lead the side for the fourth season and has made just one addition to his squad with opening bowler Alex Wyatt returning.

“It’s the same squad as last year plus Alex,” said Murrall. “We have played together a few years now and built a good squad up. We have had a positive few years and the aim is to keep building.

“It’s nice to be back to a normal format and everyone is looking forward to playing some competitive cricket

“The league looks very tough. A lot of teams have strengthened and done it well.

“Berkswell, Barnt Green, Knowle & Dorridge and West Bromwich Dartmouth all look strong and I think the winner will come from those four teams.

“Every week is going to be a test. But we have got some good players ourselves and hopefully we will more than hold our own.”