THE Henshalls Shropshire Cricket League will commence on Saturday, April 25.

Newtown and Alberbury once again play in the first division.

League rules and fixtures were ratified this week and will see Mid Wales’ premier club, Newtown open their first division campaign at home to newly promoted Chirk while Alberbury make the trip to Worfield IIs.

The following week Alberbury open their home programme with a derby against Pontesbury while Newtown hit the road for St Georges.

Meanwhile Montgomery open their second division campaign at home to Lilleshall on April 25 with Cound their first away trip the following week.

Welshpool begin life in division three following relegation last year at home to Wheaton Aston and travel to Albrighton on May 2.

Bishops Castle start their fourth division campaign at Broseley before their first home test against Market Drayton the following week.

Newly promoted Guilsfield travel to Alberbury IIs on the opening weekend of division five while Newtown IIs make the trip to Willey IIs.

The following week Newtown IIs entertain Church Stretton while Alberbury IIs travel to Whitchurch IIs.

Promoted Llanidloes open their season at home to Shrewsbury IIIs in division six while relegated Montgomery IIs make the trip to Lilleshall IIs bidding to bounce back after last year’s struggles.

Monty host Cound IIs the following weekend while Llanidloes travel to Pontesbury IIs.

Meanwhile Welshpool IIs open their division eight campaign at home to Iscoyd and Fenns Bank IIs on May 2 while Alberbury IIIs travel to Shelton IIIs on the opening weekend of Sunday League One before hosting Whitchurch IIIs the following week.

It has also been confirmed the Shropshire League will trial a loan player system in 2020 and allow rained off games to be re-played in the bottom tiers.