8th August 2024
| Matt Thompson
“We know Shropshire are coming off a very strong performance in the last game and they are a really strong side on paper, meaning we’ll have to be at our best to get a result.”
That’s the message from Player/Head Coach Brad Wadlan as Wales travel to Bridgnorth for the penultimate round of NCCA Championship fixtures. Seldom do games get more significant than this as both teams occupy first position in Division 2 with only one more round of games to come. Both teams will be all too aware that only the top spot incumbent at the end of the season will obtain promotion, meaning the margin for error in Shropshire across Sunday – Tuesday is minimal. A draw would keep things interesting depending on the spread of bonus points gained with Shropshire still to play Herefordshire and Wales to play host to Wiltshire.
For Wales, they come off the back of a vital four wicket win against Dorset a fortnight ago as they timed their final chase of 272 to perfection in the last hour of Day 3 at Ebbw Vale. A maiden century for Callum Nicholls and a fourth NCCA century for skipper Cam Herring saw Wales edge past Dorset’s first innings total of 376-8 before Brad Wadlan (3-63), Romano Franco (2-45) and Richard Edwards (3-67) did the hard work of whittling Dorset out for a second time early on Day 3. Despite being 25-3, Harry Friend (39) and Milo Ayres (80) built a 93 run stand to get things going – Ayres especially taking the positive approach which served him well in this format last year. The engine room of Wadlan (71) and Herring (51*) saw Wales over the line with another century partnership to take Wales to a much needed victory.
CAPTION: Callum Nicholls fields during Wales NC's last game against Dorset. The St Fagans man registered his maiden NCCA century during the first innings. Credit: CIAC Images.
Given the points swing, wins are crucial in this format so the result was even more significant given Shropshire’s demolition of Wiltshire inside two days. 161 from former Worcestershire batter Ollie Westbury set the tone with assistance from former New Road staffer Tom Fell (78) and Andre Braford (61). Skipper Charlie Hone had a minor part to play in proceedings collecting just the 7 wickets for 23 runs also as the visitors romped home by 10 wickets at South Wilts CC. Wales will also be smarting still from the blistering century left handed Hargrave notched earlier this season against them in St Asaph.
In terms of team news Shropshire are largely unchanged (apart from the return of Hargrave and Ben Lees, who come in for Seb Scott and Ben Lewin) whilst Wales are forced into just the one change – opening batter Kurtis Marsh is due to become a father for the first time at any moment so he misses out on three days away. Vying for the vacant role at the top of the order are Newport captain Morgan Bevans who has been in the runs most of the season in the league and Ynysygerwyn’s Cian Davies who impressed during pre-season with an impressive hundred and didn’t look our of place last month during Wales’ showcase fixture against Worcestershire.
CAPTION: Cam Herring addresses the team before fielding against Dorset. He collected his fourth NCCA century at Ebbw Vale and continues his rich vein of form since taking the captaincy over two seasons ago. Credit: CIAC Images.
For Wadlan, it’s about the smaller margins being the difference. He commented:
“The game at Ebbw Vale was a success on and off the field. The effort and hospitality by everyone at the club made the three days very enjoyable. On the field it was nice to get through the game without the weather playing a role, with it thankfully ending in a positive result for us.
It was a collective effort from everyone to get over the line against a good Dorset team. As ever Cam led from the front in the field and with the bat in both innings. He is playing his best cricket of his career and the leadership has certainly helped with that as he averages over 100 in 8 games since taking the role. Callum Nicholls played superbly to register his first NCCA hundred in the first innings and we hope that is a sign of more to come.
Bowling wise there wasn’t much in it aside from the new ball. Romano Franco at just 17 bowled really well to take 5 wickets in the game and his control was a real plus in an impressive performance. Chasing 270+ we didn’t have the best start with three early wickets but the way Harry (Friend) and Milo (Ayres) set about building a platform for Cam and I to come in and finish things was outstanding.
In terms of Shropshire, Bridgnorth is usually a high scoring ground with enough in the pitch for the bowlers and batters. They have a solid top order in George Hargrave, Ollie Westbury, Tom Fell and Andre Bradford to compliment an experienced bowling unit. It shapes up to be a very good game with both sides joint top of the table. We are excited to be in the mix to challenge for promotion. We’ll have to play some intelligent and strong cricket but the team selected are in good form and have the capability to walk away with a result. It will be about winning the critical moments in the game and taking advantage when we have a period on top.”
CAPTION: Brad Wadlan is all too aware how big Sunday's game is - his role with bat and ball has been instrumental this season to date. Credit: CIAC Images.
Skipper Cam Herring was of a similar tune. He said:
“It was great to get a positive result last week against Dorset and set up a table topping clash this week. Having made steady progress over the last few seasons it was good to piece together a performance with 8-9 players contributing to the win. I was especially pleased for Cal to register his first NCCA ton which showed maturity and a continuation of his club form. The foundation he provided allowed us to get past Dorset’s first innings score and push on with the game.
We’re looking forward to the challenge this week against a really good team but I’m hoping we can perform well again to assist our promotion aspirations.”
Play is set to commence from Bridgnorth at 11am across all three days with admission free of charge. Live streaming is expected also.
*Did you know Wales NC have released the second part of their documentary of their three day pre-season tour to Spain back in March? You can catch up with Episode 2 of Behind the Dragon here: https://youtu.be/iJamYcsoLA0?si=iGk1MS1iGLK2x_jj alongside Episode 1 here: https://youtu.be/toPmELX3l6s
Wales NC from: HLR Friend (Newport), MJ Bevans (Newport) CR Nicholls (St Fagans), SH Roberts (Swansea), CR Davies (Ynysygerwyn), BL Wadlan (Swansea), CL Herring*+ (Pontarddulais), MC Ayres (Bedminster), TH Moses (Cowbridge), RD Edwards (Neath), RCM Franco (Northop), WTS Moore (Swansea).
Shropshire CCC from: George Hargrave (Shrewsbury), Ollie Westbury (Himley), Tom Fell (Wolverhampton), Andre Bradford (Shifnal), Charlie Home* (Shifnal), Peter Clark (Shrewsbury), Oli Currill (Knowle & Dorridge), Joe Stanley (Wolverhampton), Ben Lees (Shifnal), Ben Roberts (Shifnal), Sam Ellis (Wolverhampton).