James Ralph strikes to leave St Georges in a spin
Former Shropshire captain James Ralph made an immediate impact in his first Henshalls Insurance Shropshire County League outing for Broseley.
But while Ralph has been renowned for his exploits with the bat over the years, his first headline act came with the ball.
He picked up 6-40 off 15 overs of leg-spin as St Georges were rolled out for 129.
Ralph them contributed 48 with the bat to the winning chase but he was overshadowed by Scott Furber, who marked his return to the club after a year with Much Wenlock, by ending unbeaten on 70 as Broseley romped home by eight wickets.
Skipper Gavin Jones was naturally delighted with his side’s display as he looked forward to Saturday’s clash with one of the pre-season title favourites Worfield.
“All in all it was a great display and I couldn’t have asked for any more on the opening day,” said Jones.
“I think we are one of the dark horses this season, but if we could beat Worfield then we could really put our name in the hat as contenders.
“Obviously James has been brought in for his batting but he had been bowing well in practice and he did really well on Saturday.
“We bowled well early on and I think that put them under pressure after drinks, and then James and our Australian import Craig Stewart bowled well in tandem.
“And then James batted very sensibly and Scott Furber was excellent.”
Jordan Bachelor and Danny Cohen joined forces to bowl Wem to an opening day success against Newtown.
The duo both bagged four wickets to help skittle Newtown for 83 and secure a 72-run triumph.
On a day when the bowlers held the upper hand, Wem had earlier been dismissed for 155.
Steve Blenkinsopp, Tom Astley and Sam Peate all chipped in with 30s while Newtown’s John Anthony and Jonathan Davies picked up three wickets each.
The heavyweight clash between Quatt and Worfield failed to produce a winner.
But it was Worfield, who were relegated from the Birmingham League last season, who claimed the winning draw.
Batting first, Worfield made 170-9 from their 50 overs in the face of an excellent spell from Quatt opening bowler Jonathan Edwards who bagged 6-28 from 15 overs.
Tom Pickerill top-scored for Worfield with 55 while Ian Simmons (36 not out) and Bryn Simmons (34) offered support.
But Quatt found it tough going with the bat as they held out for a draw on 139-8.
Ricardo De Nobrega and Dave Street were the only batters to pass 30 while Calvin Priest picked up three wickets.
