SHROPSHIRE has launched a call to arms for cricketers aged over 50 and 60 to represent new teams at national level.

The county will run second XIs for both age groups in 2019 on the back of the success enjoyed last season.

An over-50s team will join the Southern Counties Senior Championship featuring home and away fixtures with Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire and Wales.

The over-60s will join a group that will see them take on Lancashire, Cheshire, Leicestershire and Yorkshire Ridings.

In 2018, the over-50s reached the knockout stage of their competition for the second year in a row and the over-60s finished as runners-up, prompting chiefs to extend the programme.

Over-60s captain John Foster said: “Seniors cricket is thriving in Shropshire and Martin Chambers (over-50s administrator) is doing a fantastic job by bringing new players into the pool which is great to see.

“Things have grown steadily over the past 25 years so that now both our teams are very competitive within their respective groups, and there were sufficient players last season to enable the 2nd XIs to play some friendly fixtures.

“We have now decided to take another step forward and enter those sides in competitions.

“We want to hear from anyone who is interested in playing – regardless of who you played for in the past.

“It is competitive-but-friendly cricket and a great social environment alongside people you will have probably known for years. It’s a great way to keep active and involved in the game.”