Woore claim Anna Shore Memorial Trophy
A special day for women’s cricket in Shropshire saw Woore crowned the first ever winners of the 100-Ball Anna Shore Memorial Cup.
They overcame Wellington in the final staged at Frankton Cricket.
The competition was created in memory of Anna Shore of Ellesmere, a true pioneer of female cricket whose dedication to developing and supporting the female game was admirable.
It was therefore fitting that the inaugural final brought together players, officials, families and supporters from across the local cricketing community to celebrate both the game Anna cared so deeply about and the legacy she leaves behind.
Woore booked their place in the final with victory over Frankton in their semi-final, while Wellington overcame Oswestry to set up Sunday’s showpiece.
On a gorgeous September day, the occasion began with a minute’s applause in Anna’s memory before attention turned to the cricket.
Woore batted first and were made to work hard by the Wellington attack, with Amy Connelly and Rebecca Mullard Wilson producing particularly impressive spells with the ball.
However, Libby Clifton led the way for Woore with the bat, striking an excellent 39 before eventually being dismissed.
Her contribution helped Woore reach 118/7 from their 100 balls, setting Wellington a challenging target for the second innings.
Wellington’s chase could hardly have got off to a more difficult start, losing their captain from the very first ball of the innings.
They recovered through important partnerships between Amy Connelly and Dani Furber, who gave Wellington hope of chasing down the Woore total.
But some excellent bowling, including excellent spells from Sophie Betteley and Maisie Lowe, ensured Woore kept control of the contest.
Despite Wellington continuing to battle, they eventually finished on 83/6 from their 100 balls, handing Woore victory and the honour of becoming the inaugural Anna Shore Memorial Cup champions.
While the cricket was competitive throughout, the final was played in fantastic spirit, befitting an occasion designed to celebrate someone who contributed so much to the women’s game.
Another particularly special element of the day was the involvement of some of Shropshire’s young officials. The match was impressively umpired by Mia and Sanisa, who looked at ease out in the middle, whilst Verity scored the final alongside a Woore volunteer.
All three are products of Cricket Shropshire’s successful Young Ambassador Programme.
This offers another brilliant example of the opportunities being created for young people within cricket in Shropshire beyond playing the game.
Naomi from Cricket Shropshire, who was in attendance said, “It was a privilege to see the first Anna Shore Memorial Cup Final take place.
“Anna was instrumental in getting female cricket off the ground at Ellesmere and her dedication was commendable. To have her parents and friends there to support and present the trophy was very special.
“The cricket was competitive, played in good spirit and supported well by many. And to have our Young Officials involved once again was brilliant. Huge congratulations to Woore on their win.”
At the conclusion of the game, Anna’s parents presented the trophy to Woore, providing a fitting and poignant end to a memorable day.
A huge thank you must go to Frankton Cricket Club for hosting the final and for helping to make the occasion such a success.
Naomi added: “The first Anna Shore Memorial Cup was about far more than the final result. It was an opportunity to remember and celebrate a woman who was passionate about female cricket and whose dedication helped pave the way for those playing today.
“Congratulations again to Woore, the first name on the Anna Shore Memorial Cup, and thank you to everyone who helped make the day such a special occasion.”
