Shelton v. Albrighton, 14/06/08

After a stupendous midweek giant-killing, in which Shelton Cricket Club knocked Birmingham League stalwarts St. George’s out of the Chronicle Cup, it was back to league business on Saturday. On a day flecked with clouds, both players and spectators seemed unable to determine whether to keep jumpers on or discard them. Maybe the changeable weather affected Shelton’s home performance against a strong Albrighton team in their Marston’s Shropshire Premier League match, as an air of uncertainty dominated the team’s play.

Stand-in Captain Andy Wigginton, deputising for Neil Salisbury, opted to bat first, and in spite of initial optimism, Albrighton’s bowlers were on top form, taking the top order in the early overs of the innings. Gavin Cadwallader put in a brave performance, taking 27 runs and inspiring confidence from his partners at the crease, allowing Wigginton and Lawrence Bayley to score a further 25 between them. Wright was the hero for Albrighton with ball and bat, taking three wickets and scoring a metronomic, unruffled 64 to bat out the innings for the visitors, ending the match with a sweetly-timed four.

Shelton next travel across Shrewsbury to play Reman Services, hoping to recapture a taste of that Cup magic.

Pictures added from around the ground by Stuart Garlick, with Second Team write-up to follow.