Age Group Awards 2024 – Girls Development sides
The leading performers from the Shropshire County Age Group sides were recognised at a special awards ceremony.
Three awards were handed out for each age group at the ceremony held at Prestfelde School – batting, bowling and coaches’ awards.
Cricket Shropshire Pathway and Coaching Manager Ed Ashlin introduced the awards and thanked all the players, parents, coaches, and managers for their efforts during the season.
He also thanks clubs and schools for their help in providing venues and preparing pitches for home fixtures throughout the Summer.
The first set of awards to be featured this week are from the Girls’ Development programme – our Under 11s and 13s sides.
Under 11s
A successful season for the Under 11 Girls, winning 10 out of 16 games with some outstanding performances by both individuals and the girls as a unit.
Highlights included Zara and Seline hitting a 100-run partnership against North Wales at Whittington. Ava took her first ever 5fer against Herefordshire at Alberbury with figures of 5-10 off 3.3 overs. Gouri achieved her highest score of 34 not out against. Mills helped the girls to beat Warwickshire after scoring 49. Gianna, Gouri, Zara, Ava, Eira, Nilly and Esme all took 3fers this season. Evie scored 47 against Prestfelde at the start of the season
Coach Lara Jones said: “It’s hard to cover each individual success as all the girls worked hard and demonstrated improvement over the season and all of them should be incredibly proud. Kate (Brazier) and I are incredibly proud of the progression, determination and enthusiasm shown by this group and they have been a delight to coach.”
Batting – Gouri Cherukuri
There were several outstanding performances this, however this year’s batting award went to Gouri who has continued to improve her skills, worked hard to improve several parts of her game, and the team has relied on her in crucial moments. She scored 224 runs for the Under 11s at an average of 32. Her eagerness to learn and resilience are a credit to her and will take her far in the game.
Bowling – Gianna Filippi
Gianna has consistenly taken wickets and has led the bowling attack well on several occasions. She has taken 20 wickets with best figures of 6-4 against Staffordshire. Her skills of bowling in good areas and remaining consistent under pressure have resulted in her taking key wickets against strong opposition throughout the season. She is a delight to coach and has lots of potential to do well in the future.
Coaches – Mills Jones
Mills demonstrated a massive improvement throughout the winter training and continued to improve throughout the summer. Her batting has helped the team to beat some strong opposition on several occasions. For the first half of the season, her bowling was showing great potential, and she took three wickets in just 10 overs. Due to injury and unavailability, we were without a wicket keeper for the last few games, and she stepped up to the task and she has a new-found talent. This led to her also being the U13 wicket keeper for the last few games of the season. Not only has her natural talent impressed other players, coaches and the opposition, but her confidence is infectious and helps to build the confidence of those around her.
Under 13 Girls
Lara said: “A good season with some challenges along the way – the team displayed great spirit, sportsmanship and resilience throughout. And big thanks to team manager Will who has shown massive dedication and done a fantastic job.”
Batting – Lizzie Daniels-Sanders
Lizzie has consistently performed well with the bat. She scored over 140 runs with a highest score of 58. Over the last year, her batting has improved massively, thanks to her hard work and dedication throughout the winter training and the summer season. Her enthusiasm and love of the game are infectious, and she always manages to put a smile on everyone’s face.
Bowling – Sophia Parton
Sophia has been a true asset to the team throughout the season. In every game, she made a significant impact and consistently took several high-quality wickets, with best figures of 4-11 against Worcestershire. Her ability to take wickets under pressure, especially when the team most need it, has been a crucial factor in the team’s success.
Coaches – Anna Hurford
Anna has not only demonstrated high quality skill and contributed with the bat and ball in every game, but also led the team on and off the field with maturity. Her knowledge of the game and leadership skills alongside her high-quality performances have helped to improve the entire team. Her captaincy has been exceptional and reflects her hard work and dedication to learning more about the game.
Pictures courtesy of Brian Clarke from Kidzinfocus – brian.clarke@kidszinfocus.co.uk