WHITCHURCH skipper Alex Huxley claims the 87-run victory over local rivals Wem on Saturday proves his side are “a force to be reckoned with” in the race to be Shropshire League champions.

“Hardly anyone tipped us for the title,” said Huxley. “But Saturday’s win will really have boosted our confidence and given us the momentum we’ve been looking for at the start of the season.”

Huxley himself led by example on Saturday, hitting a sparkling century at Heath Road as his side rattled up 238-9 in their 50 overs.

The Whitchurch captain showed the type of form which once made him a regular opener for Shropshire’s Minor Counties team as he made 114 off 142 balls, including 14 fours.

He received good support for Ijaz Yousaf, who followed up his century the previous week with a cultured 49.

“Ijaz is seeing it like a beach ball at the moment, and having him at the other end certainly made things easier for me,” said Huxley.

Danny Cohen was in fine form with the ball for Wem, picking up 6-59 off 15 overs – but the visiting batsmen never came to terms with the Whitchurch attack when it was their turn to occupy the crease.

*For a full cricket round-up, see this week's Whitchurch Herald.