Shropshire are looking forward to facing first-class opposition in Sunday’s attractive NCCA Showcase Game against Yorkshire at Wellington Cricket Club (11am).
The Shropshire side includes three seamers with local connections as former Whitchurch player Sam Ellis and Ben Roberts, who used to play his club cricket for Oswestry, are both included in the XI.
There will also be a first county appearance of the season for Shrewsbury opening bowler Alex Ollerenshaw, who joined the county town club from Wem at the start of the 2023 season.
All 20 National Counties Cricket Association clubs will again be taking on professional opponents this season - with Shropshire delighted to be paired against Yorkshire.
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The match provides another opportunity for local cricket supporters to watch Shropshire test themselves against first-class players in a 50-overs per side contest.
Shropshire have played against Derbyshire at Shifnal and Worcestershire at Shrewsbury in the last two years.
The fixture is also part of Yorkshire’s preparations for their One-Day Cup campaign, which starts against Surrey next week.
Ed Home, Shropshire’s head of cricket, said: “We hope Yorkshire will bring as strong a side as possible and let’s also keep our fingers crossed for dry weather.
"It’s a day the club and I hope the wider Shropshire cricket family are all really looking forward to."
Former Wem player Ollerenshaw, enjoying a good season for Shrewsbury in the Birmingham League, receives his first Shropshire call up since making his debut in the opening match of last season, a Twenty20 Cup group game at Staffordshire.
Admission for Sunday’s game is £5 per car for parking and entry at Wellington Cricket Club.
Shropshire CCC chairman John Hulme said: "We are looking forward to welcoming Yorkshire to Orleton Park and it’s always a special occasion when National Counties clubs have an opportunity to take on first-class opposition.
“It’s a game that has been eagerly anticipated by many Salopians since the announcement of the fixture late last year.
"Yorkshire is a county steeped in cricketing history and tradition, with its record in Championship cricket second to none.
"We hope that those attending this weekend will purchase a combined souvenir programme and scorecard that we have produced for the game.
“There will be a silent auction open to all with some special items available. There’s also a raffle with lots of good prizes as we look to raise funds, with a donation from Sunday to be made by the club to Severn Hospice."
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