Shropshire captain Richard Oliver joins Shifnal
Shropshire cricket captain Richard Oliver has joined Shifnal.
The capture of the former Whitchurch batsman is one of five new signings announced by the Birmingham and District League Division One side ahead of the 2013 season.
Oliver, who has replaced Ed Foster to lead Shropshire's Minor Counties campaign, will return to the UK after a stint with Geelong City in Australia. He played for Reigate Priory in the Surrey League last year.
Shifnal have also recruited Worcestershire all-rounder Tom Friend as club professional.
Friend, who represented Shropshire last year while playing a handful of games for Shifnal, could still earn a contract at New Road this summer. Anther county player, wicket-keeper/batsmen Simon Gregory, has also joined.
Batsmen Tom Home, like Friend, has been persuaded to sign up again while promising youngsters Will Cook, James Shaw and Jake Tanser-Harvey have been added to the roster.
Shifnal skipper Ed Home said: "We've strengthened the squad to make sure we are competitive in a strong league with the aim of returning to the Premier League.
"But this isn't just about 2013 as our plans go way beyond then. Our under- 13s won the County cup for the first time last year and our youth section has county junior representation across the age groups."
