Morgan Ward hit a half century for Shropshire Academy as they lost by 115 runs to Cheshire’s 2nd XI at Bowdon Cricket Club in their latest 50-over friendly.
Replying to the home side’s 281-8, the visitors, captained by Cound all-rounder Connor Glendinning, were bowled out for 166 in Wednesday’s match.
Ryan Lockley, Shropshire Academy coach along with James Wojda, said: “We had a fair few players unavailable and that gave opportunities to five debutants that have all had decent seasons so far.
“There were debuts for Aryan Dash, a 15-year-old left-arm spinner, a very promising talent who is actually part of the Cheshire pathway and was made available to us for this game. He bowled really well.
“Isaac Simmons, Ryan Fernando, Owen Brayne and Alfie Briggs also came in, so it was good to see five debutants.
“They deserved their chance and they all did well, so it was promising to see them fit into a new environment, a positive sign for Shropshire cricket.
“In terms of the game, we felt Cheshire had probably got 30 or 40 runs too many at the halfway stage.
“We dragged it back quite nicely outside of the powerplay through the middle, but unfortunately allowed them to get away a little bit towards the end.
“We still fancied our chances to put ourselves in a respectable position, to be able to chase 280. We got off to a decent start, but no one really went on.
“Morgan Ward played a fantastic innings again. I think that’s three fifties he’s scored in the four games we’ve played this year. He batted beautifully for 67.
“We just ran out of steam and we had a chat after about how we play spin, our game plans around spin, how we were going to go about chasing 280. It’s all a learning curve.”
Elected to bat
Cheshire’s 2nd Xl elected to bat and, helped by an opening stand of 103 between James Dodds (52) and Ben Wright (47), kept the scoreboard ticking over throughout their 50 overs.
Zak Rogers, batting at four, top scored with 59, while James Clift added 28.
Aryan Dash, who plays for Cheshire club Timperley, led the way with the ball by taking 4-52, while Gursimrat Singh, who has played in all four Shropshire Academy games this season, claimed 2-41.
Wem spinner Ralph Davies was the most economical of the seven bowlers used, bowling eight overs for 1-30.
Wellington wicketkeeper Ward, the only player in the side to have played for Shropshire’s first team, top scored in Shropshire Academy’s reply.
Batting at three, Ward struck 67 from 58 balls, which included a six and 10 fours.
Openers Harry Turley-Salmons (33) and Glendinning (20) had earlier put on 43 for the the first wicket.
Joe O’Brien took 5-34 while Joshua Leach (2-27) and Ben Wright (2-31) also played their part with the ball for Cheshire.
Shropshire Academy’s final match of the season against the MCC will be played at Oswestry Cricket Club on Wednesday, August 6.
Pictured: Shropshire Academy pictured at Bowdon Cricket Club.