Shropshire Premier League Cricket returns to Morda Road this Saturday when Oswestry Cricket Club entertain Madeley in the opening game of the season.

The Bordermen’s successful 10-year stay in the Birmingham Premier Cricket League finally came to end last September when a winless streak, in the second half of the season, saw them finish bottom of the table.

Relegation led to an exodus of players over the winter months with talisman, Warrick Fynn, upon whom Oswestry had become so dependent in recent years, signing for Wolverhampton, and county men Ryan Lockley and David Laird both rejoining Bridgnorth, accompanied by quick bowler Ben Roberts, sidelined for much of last season with injury.

Another to have departed is the highly promising young seamer, Harry Darley who is already under the radar of both Shropshire and Worcestershire.

Darley has signed for Shrewsbury and many will watch his emerging career with interest.

Border Counties Advertizer: Josh Coleridge will take charge a Morda Road this coming summer.

Josh Coleridge will take charge a Morda Road this coming summer. 

Despite these losses, new skipper Josh Coleridge remains upbeat about the new season and welcomes back to the club former county slow left armer and Shrewsbury player Charlie Morris, hard hitting batsman Alex Ramsay and seamer Paul Robinson.

With the start of the season just days away, Coleridge is keeping his final team selection close to his chest but Saturday’s side could see the batting further strengthened by others.

The attacking wicket keeper-batsman who led the second string to honours at the age of just 19, is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

He said: “We are aiming to cement our place in the division and are hoping to finish in the top half of the table.

“We welcome back a number of old players who will help in the development of those youngsters. We shall be looking to enjoy the game once again after last season.’’

The Oswestry skipper will be looking for runs from Josh Darley and Alex Huxley at the top of the order, with himself, Alex Ramsay and Keenan Oakley providing firepower in the middle order.

Alex Selby, one of the few bright notes of last season, will lead the attack and is expected to provide a handful for opposition batsmen with his pace, height and movement.

He is likely to be supported by the returning Robinson and veteran seamer Ian Davies.

Morris and off spinner Alex Davidson, both capable of scoring runs, are expected to play an important role and there is likely to be an early chance for young leg spinner Henry Walker.

Oswestry mayor Mark Jones will be conducting the toss before the start of Saturday’s game.