Shrewsbury School U15s claim national trophy in nail-biter
Shrewsbury School’s U15 Boys claimed their ESCA One Day Cup trophy for the first time in 21 years with a nail-biting one wicket victory over a fine Merchant Taylor’s School.
Having lost the toss at a sun-drenched Oakham School, Shrewsbury’s bowlers were put under early pressure by the opposition, with the opening batters enjoying a flat pitch and lightning quick outfield as they raced to 57 without loss in the first ten overs.
Three quick-fire wickets slowed the scoring rate as the Salopians gained a foothold in the game thanks to economical spells from their spinners, Under 14 Ruben Pembleton (1-30), captain George Jenkins (1-28) and Reuben Kundu (2-40).
Exceptional fielding helped the bowlers limit a side containing several Middlesex academy players to 201-7 from their 40 overs.
The other wicket taker was Bryan Mudalige.
Shrewsbury’s reply saw key wickets fall early, but with the scoreboard reading 2-31 after six overs, Gurjeevan Singh Athwal (41) and Oscar Howarth (71) then combined to take the score to 89 before Athwal fell.
Howarth then found capable partners in Jack Swallow (19) and Jake Adams (20) as the total reached 180-4 with six overs left and 22 required for victory.
As is often the case in finals, the last runs proved to be the hardest to score. 180-4 became 200-9, with Shrewsbury needing two runs from the final four balls with a single wicket in hand.
Under 14 captain Bruno Dowland defended his first ball before lifting his second over mid-on, and along with non-striker Connor Haswell they scampered the two runs required as the balcony and visiting supporters started the celebrations.
Shrewsbury School’s Cricket Professional Adam Shantry said: “The team effort exemplified the way in which the boys have competed throughout a cup run which began over 15 months ago, and will live long in the memory of all those who were fortunate enough to enjoy it.”
The victory capped another excellent season for Shrewsbury School and came just days after their Under 18s won the Silk Trophy and came runners up to Kings Taunton in their T20 competition.
- Former England star James Taylor was the Shrewsbury captain the last time they won the trophy in a game played at Trent Bridge.
