Seniors awards handed out – and a plea for new recruits
Cricket Shropshire’s Senior sides – the Over 50s, 60s and 70s – took their turn in the spotlight at the Annual Presentation evening held at the Albrighton Hall Hotel near Shrewsbury.
And there was an appeal from outgoing Seniors Chair John Foster for anyone interested in joining the set up to get involved.
He said: “Looking around the room tonight, I feel there are a few candidates who could play for one of the Senior sides!
“It might not be quite as energetic and athletic as Saturday cricket, but our games against other counties around the country and competitive and played at a good standard.
“We might feel it the day after, and the day after that, but it is a great way to play a good standard of cricket with your peers in a friendly and enjoyable environment. And it also helps to keep you fit and active.”
If anyone wants to get involved, they can email seniorcricket@cricketshropshire.co.uk
John said the Over 50s Player of the Year was Mark Jones, although he was unable to attend on the night
John said: “His commitment to the over 50s squad both in the first and second eleven is exemplary.
“He is a genuine all-rounder who over the past five seasons has become a mainstay of the group scoring useful runs when batting, taking a few key wickets when needed as bowler and on occasions also keeping wicket.
“He is a very well-respected cricketer and the entire Over 50s joint squad congratulate him on this award.”
The Over 60s award went to Jon Archer, who again was unable to attend.
John said: “He has scored a useful 250 runs this year highlighted by a fine 86 against Staffordshire at almost a run a ball.
“He’s been very active behind the scenes contributing to selection meetings and is very passionate about Over 60s cricket as a whole and sometimes he even enjoys fielding!”
The Over 70s Player of the Year went to Peter Hayes.
John said: “Peter has represented Shropshire Seniors for over 20 years at each of the three age group levels.
“He has always been the first name on the team sheet during that period. In the last few years, since qualifying for the most senior group he has put in some quality performances which has resulted in him being selected for the England O70 squad.
“He played a key role for England Over 70s in winning two world cup tournaments and beating Australia in two Ashes series. Just recently has been selected to visit SA with England Over 70s in the Cape Town master’s tournament
“For Shropshire, Peter regularly bowls his overs at a miserly 2.5 runs per over and takes wickets at less than 20 runs per wicket. On top of that he averaged 44 with the bat with a strike rate close to 100.”
Look out for more coverage from the awards in the coming days.
Pictures courtesy of Brian Clarke at KidzInFocus – email brian.clarke@kidzinfocus.co.uk