Steve Leach quits champs for move to Shifnal CC

Leach, 21, was part of the team that brought the Birmingham & District Cricket League Premier Division title to London Road this summer. But Division Two outfit Shifnal have pulled off a major coup by landing the man named as James Ralph's successor as county skipper.

"I'm still a bit shocked that it's happened but obviously pleased that we have been able to sign him," said Shifnal skipper Tom Collins.

"We heard rumours that Steve was looking for another club and wanted to stay with a Shropshire side, so we contacted him

"We have set out to make two real top-quality signings to help get us back into Division One and Steve certainly comes into that category.

"At times we lacked just that little bit of quality to win games and to bring in Steve must be one of the best signings the club has ever made."

Opening batsman Leach, the younger brother of Worcestershire all-rounder Joe, scored more than 700 Championship runs for the county in the 2015 season. He made his Shropshire debut at the age of 17 in 2011.

The former Shrewsbury School pupil, who is studying business management with sport at Oxford Brookes University, scored a century in April for Oxford MCCU against a Surrey side including Kevin Pietersen.

He was named Player of the Year in Shrewsbury's title-winning campaign and joins a Shifnal side who finished seventh in Division Two.

n Former Shropshire skipper Richard Oliver has been released by Worcestershire.

The Pears offered a new one-year deal to Oliver, who signed an initial contract in June 2014.

But Oliver wanted to return to Australia this winter and play for Geelong, whereas Worcestershire were keen for him to remain and work on his batting.