Shrewsbury, the Birmingham Cricket League champions, have been hit with an eve of season blow with wicketkeeper Matt Swift suffering a serious injury playing football.

Swift was earmarked to play a key role for the London Roaders this season following the departure of experienced glovesman Anthony Parker to Broseley.

But he suffered suspected cruciate ligament damage playing local football last weekend and is now facing up to the prospect of a lengthy lay-off.

Shrewsbury captain Rob Foster said: "It's a shame for Matt as there was a big opportunity for him this season. We just hope the injury is not as bad as first feared. He had been training hard so it's a blow for Matt."

With Swift out of the equation, either Ed Foster or Will Parton is likely to wear the gloves as Shrewsbury plan for a double-header this weekend ahead of beginning the defence of their Birmingham League crown at Wolverhampton the following Saturday, April 30.

Both of Shrewsbury's scheduled matches last weekend were called off, although Shrewsbury, the holders, progressed through to the second round of the Graham Williamson Trophy at Old Hill's expense on the toss of a coin.

They will now travel to Walsall in the second round on Saturday before heading to Shifnal in round one of the National Knockout on Sunday.

"Walsall will be tough opposition," added skipper Foster. "They beat us pretty comfortably in the National KO last year. Shifnal have recruited a few players over the winter, so that will also be a tough game."

New signings Ben Stebbings, Ollie Westbury, Tyler Ibbotson and New Zealander Adam King are all included in a strong Shrewsbury side for the trip to Walsall, although a few changes will need to be made for the Shifnal clash 24 hours later.

Both Westbury and Henry Blofield have been named in a 12-man Shropshire squad for the county's opening match of the season against Herefordshire in the Unicorns Trophy at London Road on Sunday (11am).

SHREWSBURY (v Walsall): E Foster, W Parton, R Foster, A King, B Stebbings, O Westbury, M Barnard, S Griffiths, H Blofield, D Manders, T Ibbitson.