THE chairman of Oswestry Cricket Club says it will respect the decision to relegate them to a lower division in the Shropshire County Cricket League, but hit back at the way it was announced.

The Morda Road side, who until recently had been competing at near the highest level of club cricket in the Birmingham Premier League, will face life in Division One of the Shropshire league from 2023.

Steve Adams, chairman at the Stonehouse Oval, issued a statement to confirm the club discovered its relegation – in a restructuring of the league – via social media, which he said was 'surprising'.

"Oswestry Cricket Club is deeply disappointed to have learnt via social media of its relegation to Division One of the Shropshire County Cricket League next season," he said.

"While the manner in which this information was communicated, without the clubs involved being notified first, has surprised many, Oswestry Cricket Club respects the League's decision, acknowledging that we finally paid the price for losing games we had played well enough to win.

"Oswestry Cricket Club has a long and distinguished history and is determined to turn fortunes around.

"The club will do all within its powers to see a return of Birmingham League cricket to Morda Road, however long that might take.

"We are building a new generation of cricketers at Oswestry Cricket Club and are immensely proud of the achievements of our junior section and honours brought to the club at under-15, U13 and U11 levels over the last 18 months.

"We shall continue to develop and build upon the successes of our youth system.

"If anyone wishes to be a part of our new future, then they should contact the club immediately."

Oswestry finished third from bottom in the Premier Division in 2022, and will be replaced by fellow north Shropshire side Wem, who were relegated from the Birmingham league.

But they will also be replaced by two second XIs in Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth as they join Shifnal and Allscott Heath in being demoted.

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A spokesman added: "It is just over three years ago since Oswestry narrowly missed out on promotion to the top flight of the Birmingham and District Premier Cricket League, but then came Covid after which no fewer than 11 players of county experience left the club."

This includes Roman Walker, who claimed the scalp for former Indian test captain and modern legend Virat Kohli last summer.