Steve Leach named Shropshire captain
Shropshire County Cricket Club have appointed promising opening batsman Steve Leach as their new captain.
The 21-year-old Shrewsbury player, a consistent scorer, replaces James Ralph, who led Shropshire to third place in the Western Division of the Unicorns Championship.
Leach, younger brother of Worcestershire all-rounder Joe, scored more than 700 Championship runs for the county in 2015. He made his Shropshire debut at the age of 17 in 2011.
The former Shrewsbury School pupil is studying business management with sport at Oxford Brookes University.
He scored his maiden first class century in April for Oxford MCCU against a Surrey side including Kevin Pietersen.
He said: "It's a massive honour. I've always had a lot of pride playing for Shropshire and I'm really excited.
"I enjoyed playing under James Ralph, someone I've got a lot of respect for, and hopefully he will still be a part of the side moving forward.
"It's been an ambition of mine to one day captain Shropshire and I'm delighted. The aim now is to win things."
Shropshire chairman Toby Shaw added: "We're delighted with the appointment. Steve has shown great maturity at a young age and I see him taking the side forward.
"We're grateful to James Ralph for what he has achieved for Shropshire and we hope he will continue to play for the county.
"Steve's clearly got the passion. I think he will absolutely blossom and bring the team along with him.
"He had an unbelievable season, both for the county club and also for Shrewsbury in helping them win the Birmingham League title again.
"This will now be the next step up for him and I fully expect him to embrace it."
