Cricket is back in Whitchurch with a bang this weekend as the town's cricket club gets ready for two huge games at heath road.

On Saturday, the first XI start their return to the Birmingham League campaign against Rugby at Heath Road with a 12pm start while on Sunday, Shropshire kick-off their season against Hertfordshire.

Cricket chairman Iain Marsh says the club are hoping to attract a bumper crowd for the return of the season and was happy with Saturday's friendly defeat at Oswestry, where skipper Alex Huxley scored 96.

"The club hope the whole town will support the club with the bar open all day with free admission," he said.

"On Saturday, all of the bowlers were used so everyone got overs in their legs for the upcoming Saturday against Rugby. Alex batted superbly for his 96 and again the lower order chipped in."

Oswestry batted first and scored 233-4 in their 40 overs. The only wicket takers for Whitchurch were seamer Dan Bowen (3-41 off 8 overs), and Spinner Will Doerr,w ho took 1-30 off 8 overs.

Whitchurch then were always up with the rate, but were bowled out for 165 in 30.3 overs. Huxley opened at scored 96 from 93 balls, as Kris Ali scored 24 from 20 balls. Oswestry won the game by 68 runs

The seconds start their league season away at Oswestry seconds, and on Sunday the thirds are away at Bridgnorth 4ths with a 1pm start. Whitchurch firsts will hand debuts to Salim Ahmed, and Nadeem Ahmad who have both signed after Broseley folded during the winter.

nMeanwhile, Shropshire skipper Steve Leach is confident he has the squad in place to enjoy a positive season as they strive to make a winning start to their campaign.

Shropshire have home advantage for the 50-over white-ball clash at Heath Road, with the Trophy now a knockout competition, unlike recent years when teams have had four group games to try to qualify for the quarter finals.

Leach knows Shropshire will need to quickly be at their best to progress against a Herefordshire side he rates highly.

He said: "The pre-season preparations have been a bit disjointed with the start of the Birmingham League season being put back a week and both of our warm-up matches called off, but every county’s in the same position. We’re quietly confident and we’re happy with the team that we’re going to have.

"We’re going to need 11 players at the races against what’s going to be a very strong Herefordshire team. On paper and on previous form, I would back them to be one of the strongest teams in this competition, but it’s a match we’re all really looking forward to."

Leach is delighted to start the new season at Whitchurch and he hopes the team receive lots of support from local cricket fans.

He said: "Whitchurch is a fantastic ground, one of several very good Shropshire grounds which is always very hospitable. The pitch will offer a little bit for everyone.

"It’s a really good place to play, a quick outfield."