Most groundsman will be have been watching their pitches rather than working on them as the rain fell across Powys and Shropshire this week, writes Patrick Cudmore for the County Times.

If cricket is played this weekend, it is likely that the toss will be important. No doubt there will be some juicy pitches across Shropshire, and I can imagine any batsman that is hoping to bat first must have prior engagements on Saturday evening.

Shelton will be hoping to make it to tea this weekend as they travel to Alberbury, with the Shrewsbury outfit waiting with bated breath to see if the Pecknall Farm ground is dry enough for play. It may be the case that the teams will convene at the ground, even if it is to enjoy the well renowned spread.

Alberbury travelled to Newtown last weekend for a shortened game. Alberbury made some early inroads but were held off by Tom Foulkes who made a very valuable 45. James Bird and Rob Owen were the pick of the bowlers taking three wickets a piece.

In reply Alberbury were undone by the bowling of Dave Anthony taking 4 for 8 in his seven overs. Michael Crawshaw (30) and Ed Kneale (34) dug in but once they were dismissed the rest of the scorecard makes for tough reading.

I was able to listen to the first hour or so of the Cow Corner Podcast, and it has become clear that Alberbury teams are slightly stronger when playing at home so we will have to see what team is available for this weekend.

Shelton are off the back of a narrow defeat to Pontesbury last weekend. It must be said both teams were short of a few players, but it was great to get a game on in rather wet conditions.

Prior to the toss both teams gathered together to pull the sheets from of the spare pitches, which had collected a large water hazard. It was a rather surreal moment, but nonetheless it was great to see both teams come together to get this off the pitch and get the match on.

After some tight opening spells from Jones and Timmis it was Phiri, Price and Jones that took 2 wickets a piece as Pontesbury tried to accumulate. Matt Smart was able to put the scoop away for this innings and scored a very valuable 29 and James Moss held the innings together with 20 runs in the 115 set in the 30 overs.

Whilst the 115 seems achievable the slow pitch and outfield on a large ground made this an intimidating total. Keith Tate played brilliantly for his 41, but Smart was able to take 3 wickets one of which was Sam Mathews who, I think, held the key to this run chase.

Shelton finished 5 runs short of the total and may be kicking themselves for not pulling the trigger earlier in the innings.

Considering this was a depleted team it shows the strength of Shelton and no doubt they will be welcoming many players back this weekend.