Shropshire Academy coach Ian Roe was encouraged by how his side performed in their traditional curtain raiser against Shrewsbury School’s 1st XI.
Shropshire were eventually beaten by 14 runs on Friday evening in a match which had been scheduled to be a Twenty20 clash before being reduced to a 15 overs per side contest owing to the weather forecast.
Xavie Clarke, a Worcestershire Academy player, led the way with 58 as Shrewsbury School totalled 103-8 from their 15 overs, with Oswestry offspinner Sam Davies taking 2-7.
Shropshire were well served with the bat by openers Ben Lees (37) and Harry Chandler (33) as they closed on 89-4.
“There were a lot of positives to emerge and it was a very worthwhile exercise at the start of the season,” said Roe. “All the bowlers performed well and Ben Lees was very impressive behind the stumps.
“Ben and Harry Chandler then led the way with the bat and both played well.
“It was a new experience for some of the players coming into the Academy side and they enjoyed it.
“We want to create competition for places with the lads, who have all come through the Cricket Shropshire pathway, playing well for their clubs.”
The Academy side’s next match will be against Staffordshire at Wrekin College on Friday, June 21.