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Ryan Wheldon and Ben Roberts called up by Shropshire to face Herefordshire

Shrops-v-Worcs-at-Wrekin-College

Shropshire will hand Unicorns Twenty20 debuts to young Quatt all-rounder Ryan Wheldon and Oswestry seamer Ben Roberts against Herefordshire at Wrekin College on Sunday.

Wheldon was part of Shropshire’s Emerging Player Programme over the winter.

Roberts, who played against Shropshire for Wales Minor Counties last year, took four wickets for the county as they beat the RAF’s cricketers in a friendly at Bridgnorth on Thursday evening.

Shropshire’s chairman of selectors Bryan Jones said: “Ryan came through the Emerging Player Programme and then joined the winter nets. He’s had a dozen sessions and impressed myself and the other coaches involved.

“He bowls, bats and he’s a good fielder, so he’s a good all-rounder. I think he will fit in nicely and he’s suited to the Twenty20 game at the moment.

“We’re using our player pathway and have got another one involved, so hopefully he’ll do well.

“Ben has been with Wales for the last couple of years. He’s now playing for Oswestry. He’s a nice lad, he’s a good athlete and he bowls a quick delivery.

“He offers us a bit more, especially with the injuries we’ve got with the seamers, with Charlie Hartley and Jack Twigger both currently out.”

Shropshire are chasing victories in both matches against Herefordshire this weekend to revive their qualification hopes following two defeats at Oxfordshire earlier this month.

A Shropshire side which combined youth and experience beat the RAF by four runs in an exciting T20 clash at Bridgnorth on Thursday.

Steve Leach (53) and Jack Edwards (48) were in good touch as they helped Shropshire total 169.

Oswestry’s Roberts then claimed 4-36 as the RAF ended just short of their target on 165-7.

Ross Diver hit 78 and Adam Sutcliffe, having earlier taken 5-23, added 41.

Sunday’s opening match with Herefordshire at Wrekin College starts at 11am, with a second game to follow in the afternoon. Admission is free for spectators.

Shropshire: Ross Aucott, Alex Phillips, Alexei Kervezee, Jack Edwards, Joe Carrasco, Simon Gregory, Ryan Lockley, Sam Ellis, Ryan Wheldon, Sam Whitney, Ben Roberts.

Pictured: Shropshire will face Herefordshire at Wrekin College.