Age Group Awards 2024 – Girls’ Performance
Today’s focus on the Shropshire County Age Group awards looks at the Girls’ Performance sides, in this case the U15s and U18s.
The awards for batting, bowling and a Coaches’ Award in each age group were presented last month in the special ceremony at Prestfelde School in Shrewsbury.
Under 15s
Batting – Millie Parry
Coach Robyn Matthews said: “Millie had an exceptional year with the bat and has stats to dream of, scoring more than 1,000 runs for the 2024 season, 358 of those coming for the Under 15s. She scored her first 100 for the Under 18 girls, scored four half centuries for the Under 15 squad and has led from the front.”
Bowling – Isabelle Crann
Robyn said: “There were few candidates for this one. Young superstar Sophia took wickets for fun and our openers Amy and Izzy Wedgbury had great years with the ball.
We decided to go with Isabelle Crann who is massively consistent and will rarely bowl you a bad ball. She has bowled in every situation – in the powerplay, through the middle overs, death overs, opened and never seems fazed by this. She is developing more as a cricketer every time I see her. She tends to pick up wickets most games and has incredible control, which is tough to do at such a young age, and I’m excited to see what she can do with another year still left to play at U15 level. Her best figures were 4-15.”
Coaches – Amy Connelly
Robyn said: “A really tough pick this year. We’ve had so many players with personal milestones and the effort levels and commitment from all has been exceptional. What I like about Amy is she’s always asking questions and always striving to get better. She chucks herself around in the field, bowls great areas and her batting has come on massively since last year. She is a real all-rounder and I believe she has a very bright future in cricket. She had the game of her life against Warwickshire and I don’t think I’ve ever been so gutted watching someone not get a 100 before – falling for 98 caught on the boundary trying to get us over the line for victory.”
Under 18s Girls County
Coach Darrell Corfield said: “Another challenging year for the U18s but in my eyes a successful season, not always showing in results though.
“They won eight of their 17 games – beating all counties they played at least once apart from Cricket Scotland – and the group continued to compete well. The challenging part was the ever-changing look of the team given availability issues so I for one am grateful for all those players who played plus the sacrifices of parents in travelling around the country – although I do think they may have enjoyed Cumbria.”
Bowler – Freya Jones
Darrell said: “In cricket, bowlers play a crucial role in building pressure, changing the course of matches, and taking those all-important wickets, and this season Freya did exactly that.
Whether she was opening the attack or closing the innings, she consistently delivered. She showed good control, skill, and a knack for taking wickets just when the team needed it the most. It’s been a real pleasure watching Freya grow throughout the season and lead the attack for our team. Her hard work at training and commitment to improving her craft have truly paid off – to the point of being part of the Central Sparks academy set up.”
Batter – Lauren Kenvyn
Darrell said: “Batting is about more than just scoring runs; it’s about composure, technique, and resilience. Lauren has shown all of that in abundance throughout the season.
Whether it was digging in during tough moments or piling on the runs to put us in commanding positions, she’s been a constant force at the crease. What sets her apart isn’t just the number of runs she’s scored, but the consistency with which she’s delivered.
She continues to break records and dominate many a bowling attack – her takedown of the best Cheshire could throw at her was particularly good to watch. In addition to her selection for the Sparks Academy, she received recognition at regional Under 19s level (at just 16) via the School Games held at Loughborough at the end of the Summer.
Coaches – Amy Griffiths and Kate Brazier
Darrell said: “This was difficult one for the coaches to decide on so – we went for two!
Amy’s progression is great to see whilst being an important part of the Under 18s she has also received recognition by being selected by Sparks for their full academy and at the end of the summer along with Lauren selected for the regional U19 festival at Loughborough. She excels both with bat, ball and in the field – often being her own fiercest critic. As well as being highly skilled she is competitive and full committed.
“Kate has led from the front in more ways than one, leading on the pitch as captain with the added stress of being the opening bowler. Captaincy is not a position that everyone can take too. but over the last couple of years, she has managed to show resilience and patience (the latter was badly needed according to her mum) in addition to her cricketing knowledge to bring a group of girls from 14 to 19 to perform for together on a difficult stage. This being her last year in age group it’s apt she is one of the recipients of this award.”
Pictures courtesy of Brian Clarke from Kidzinfocus – brian.clarke@kidszinfocus.co.uk