Shropshire Academy impressively opened their 2026 season fixtures with a four-wicket victory over Wales National County (North) at Brymbo Cricket Club.
The home side, having been asked to bat by Luke Thornton after the Shropshire captain won the toss, were bowled out for 140 in the 50-over friendly, with Gursimrat Singh playing the starring role with the ball by taking seven wickets.
A half century from Morgan Ward then helped Shropshire respond with 146-6.
Wales National County (North) made an assured start with contributions from opener Chris Taylor (48) and Josh Hollinshead (24) having them well placed at 80-1 in the 17th over.
But the introduction of off-spinner Singh, combined with an economical spell from seamer George McCormick, saw Shropshire reduce the hosts to 97-7 as wickets started to fall regularly.
Singh, who plays for Birmingham League club Attock and impressed during Shropshire’s pre-season nets at Shrewsbury School, claimed an excellent 7-16 from 7.3 overs.
Strong position
McCormick played his part by taking 2-10 from six overs, while there was also a wicket for Alex Heath as Wales National County (North), despite an unbeaten 36 from Joe Norman, were removed for 140 inside 33 overs.
A second-wicket partnership of 87 between Wellington wicketkeeper Ward, who hit 53 from 49 balls, which included three sixes and four boundaries, and Cound opener Connor Glendinning (29) put Shropshire Academy in a strong position as they replied.
Ward’s departure was followed by Shropshire going from 103-1 to 132-6, with home captain Sam Aplin taking 4-32, but skipper Thornton led his team home to 146-6 in the 35th over with an unbeaten 17, hitting a six to complete victory.
Shropshire Academy are next in action in July when they will play three more 50-over friendlies.
They will face the Shropshire County Cricket League representative side at Whitchurch on Sunday, July 5, followed by Worcester University’s 1st XI at Ombersley on Wednesday, July 8 and Cheshire Academy at Bowdon on Wednesday, July 22.
Pictured: Gursimrat Singh took an impressive 7-16 during Shropshire Academy’s victory over Wales National County (North) at Brymbo Cricket Club.