WEM open their Birmingham Premier Cricket League Two campaign at Himley on Saturday.

The north Shropshire side go into the new campaign brimming with confidence and targeting a promotion challenge.

The Soulton Road club head into the summer with several impressive signings boosting their hopes of a sustained challenge this season having ended sixth in 2021 - just behind north Shropshire rivals Bridgnorth.

The club have bolstered their ranks with the signing of New Zealand left arm bowler Matthew Butcher with the 19-year-old having cut his teeth at Waikato University Cricket Club in his homeland.

Wem have also secured the signing of veteran former Glamorgan batsman and current Shropshire star Graham Wagg with the 38-year-old’s arrival representing a coup signing.

The club wound down their pre-season preparations with a 28 run win over Baghall Norton last week with Tom Astlet (65) showing his form with the bat while Andy Harrison (6-15) led their wicket haul.

However the club have been dealt a blow with bowler Ben Peel departing the area with the RAF.

Meanwhile Whitchurch also begin their Henshalls Shropshire Premier League campaign at home to St Georges on Saturday.

The club will be among the title favourites after last season’s fourth place finish despite last weekend’s 89 run defeat at Worfield.

Maisam Hasnain Jaffri and Mubeen Rashid led with the bat while Elliott Bowen and Kunal Dabas each took two wickets.