Women&Girls Recreational Cricket in Shropshire – A Season to Remember
From dominant league campaigns and new champions to growing participation, new teams and festivals packed with fun, the season has provided another huge step forward for the women and girls’ game across the County.
At girls’ level – Allscott Heath were undoubtedly one of the standout stories of the season, completing an incredible clean sweep of four league titles. They were crowned champions at both U12 and U14 level in softball and hardball cricket, highlighting not only the strength of their current teams but the exciting pathway they are building for young female cricketers at the club.
At U17 level – Sentinel came out on top in the Hardball League with a strong and talented side delivering an excellent campaign to claim the title.
The women’s leagues provided plenty of excitement too, with Oswestry setting a high standard. They completed a fantastic double by winning both the Women’s County Softball and County Hardball Leagues for the third consecutive year. Their continued success has been built around a brilliant blend of talented young players and experienced heads, creating a formidable combination and showing the value of a strong pathway from girls into women’s cricket.
There was further success for Shifnal, who once again claimed the Women’s Midweek League title. Packed with talent and experience, Shifnal continue to set a high standard while also embracing the next generation of players. Their willingness to give younger cricketers opportunities alongside established members of the team is a fantastic example of how clubs can compete for silverware while still looking firmly towards the future.
There was more success for Allscott Heath in the women’s game, with their tight-knit group securing promotion for the second year running. The performances they showed in the Softball Division One will no doubt lend nicely to life in the County division in 2027. Their progress is another great example of what can be achieved when a committed group of players grow together both on and off the field.
Meanwhile, Column paved the way for some of the county’s newer teams during what was a topsy-turvy season. The games they played proved successful and demonstrates just how quickly newly established sides can become part of the cricketing landscape. Hopefully, this will inspire others looking to take their first steps into competitive cricket.
This season has been about far more than league tables and trophies. A packed programme of festivals focused on participation, enjoyment and bringing players together, with several events embracing the excitement around the Women’s Cricket World Cup, shone a light on recreational cricket.
From fun themed festivals to cricket under floodlight, we say a vast amount of teams gather from all across the County. These occasions provided opportunities for players of different ages and experiences to get involved, compete, make memories and, most importantly, enjoy their cricket.
The continued growth across the county is perhaps the biggest victory of all. Teams have returned to the fold and new sides have emerged, taking the number of women’s teams in Shropshire to 28. Alongside that, new girls’ teams continue to form at clubs across the county. It is exactly the direction we want the game to be travelling, creating more places for girls to start playing and clearer opportunities for them to remain in cricket into adulthood.
One particularly special moment this season was the inaugural Anna Shore Memorial Cup. The first winners were Woore, who produced a commanding performance to become the first club to lift a trophy that we hope will hold a special place in the Shropshire cricket calendar for many years to come.
Having Anna’s parents there to present the cup made the occasion particularly poignant, and it was a fitting beginning for a competition that will continue Anna’s memory and connection with the game.
None of what we have celebrated this season happens without the remarkable people behind the scenes. A huge thank you must go to every coach, volunteer, team manager, scorer and official who has given their time and energy throughout the season. Whether preparing pitches, organising teams, scoring games, umpiring or simply making sure players have the opportunity to take the field, their contribution is invaluable.
It has also been fantastic to see some of our young officials of the future stepping forward. Giving young people the confidence and opportunity to umpire, score and take on responsibility within the game is vital to ensuring the whole women’s and girls’ cricket community continues to thrive.
Of course, we couldn’t continue to offer up such vast cricketing opportunities in the County if it wasn’t for our sponsors, Strategic Leisure who’s commitment to supporting female recreational is second to none. We thank that immensely and look forward to continuing our relationship with them.
There is certainly plenty to celebrate, but perhaps even more to look forward to. More teams. More girls playing. More women returning to cricket. More young people taking their first steps into officiating. And more clubs creating environments where women and girls can enjoy the game and belong. The foundations continue to get stronger, the pathway continues to grow, and the enthusiasm around women and girls’ cricket across Shropshire has never felt greater!!
