THE County Times' resident cricket expert looks ahead to Newtown's clash with Shrewsbury IIs in Henshalls Shropshire League One.

Newtown will be out to “Tame the Shrew” as they take on Shrewsbury 2nd team at home this Saturday.

Newtown will be hoping to improve their standings in the Shropshire Division One following a below par start to the season. They narrowly missed out last weekend with a winning draw against Shifnal IIs.

The share of the runs came in a tapas style, many double figure scores, but only one 50 from Sam Cooke in the 214 set.

Newtown managed to reduce Shifnal to 110-9 with another shared performance with the ball. The last few overs of the game must have been tense as the numbers 10/11 batted out 23 balls between them following a run out from David Anthony.

A note must be made of Tom Anderson taking two wickets for a meagre seven runs in his nine overs and he must be cursing the one wide which ruined his figures.

Shrewsbury IIs were gladly put into bat after losing the toss at home against Ellesmere in a one-sided fixture. They allotted 261, Adam Keen carrying his bat for 108.

In reply, Ellesmere were no match for the Shrewsbury bowling attack, Bradley Thornton treating his team to six wickets within his eight overs as Ellesmere were bowled out for 89.

It is hard to know what to expect when playing against second team opposition, but there is no doubt that Shrewsbury provide a stern test. Let’s hope the sun shines on the Elephant Recreation Ground this weekend.