David – Cricket Shropshire

Seniors awards handed out – and a plea for new recruits

David on November 13, 2026

Cricket Shropshire’s Senior sides – the Over 50s, 60s and 70s – took their turn in the spotlight at the Annual Presentation evening held at the Albrighton Hall Hotel near Shrewsbury.

And there was an appeal from outgoing Seniors Chair John Foster for anyone interested in joining the set up to get involved.

He said: “Looking around the room tonight, I feel there are a few candidates who could play for one of the Senior sides!

“It might not be quite as energetic and athletic as Saturday cricket, but our games against other counties around the country and competitive and played at a good standard.

“We might feel it the day after, and the day after that, but it is a great way to play a good standard of cricket with your peers in a friendly and enjoyable environment. And it also helps to keep you fit and active.”

If anyone wants to get involved, they can email seniorcricket@cricketshropshire.co.uk

John said the Over 50s Player of the Year was Mark Jones, although he was unable to attend on the night

John said: “His commitment to the over 50s squad both in the first and second eleven is exemplary.

“He is a genuine all-rounder who over the past five seasons has become a mainstay of the group scoring useful runs when batting, taking a few key wickets when needed as bowler and on occasions also keeping wicket.

“He is a very well-respected cricketer and the entire Over 50s joint squad congratulate him on this award.”

The Over 60s award went to Jon Archer, who again was unable to attend.

John said: “He has scored a useful 250 runs this year highlighted by a fine 86 against Staffordshire at almost a run a ball.

“He’s been very active behind the scenes contributing to selection meetings and is very passionate about Over 60s cricket as a whole and sometimes he even enjoys fielding!”

The Over 70s Player of the Year went to Peter Hayes.

John said: “Peter has represented Shropshire Seniors for over 20 years at each of the three age group levels.

“He has always been the first name on the team sheet during that period. In the last few years, since qualifying for the most senior group he has put in some quality performances which has resulted in him being selected for the England O70 squad.

“He played a key role for England Over 70s in winning two world cup tournaments and beating Australia in two Ashes series. Just recently has been selected to visit SA with England Over 70s in the Cape Town master’s tournament

“For Shropshire, Peter regularly bowls his overs at a miserly 2.5 runs per over and takes wickets at less than 20 runs per wicket. On top of that he averaged 44 with the bat with a strike rate close to 100.”

Look out for more coverage from the awards in the coming days.

Pictures courtesy of Brian Clarke at KidzInFocus – email brian.clarke@kidzinfocus.co.uk

Players plea as Disability awards handed out

David on November 13, 2026

Cricket is a game for all – and those with a disability who enjoy the game at all levels were celebrated at the Board’s Annual Awards at the Albrighton Hall Hotel near Shrewsbury.

Cricket Shropshire have been active in promoting the game with tournaments for SEND schools in the Summer, running a number of S1 hubs around the county, and promoting S9 and D40 cricket.

All these activities were celebrated during the evening – with a plea for people to get involved at all levels of the game.

Cricket Shropshire’s Inclusion Officer Tyler Ibbotson announced the Super 1s Volunteer Award to Megan and Jack from the Shelton Hub.

He said: “Megan and Jack have given up their Monday evenings for the past couple of years to support the Shelton Hub, bringing such fantastic energy and becoming loved by everyone there.

“We can’t thank you enough for the time and care they give, and it’s a real pleasure to present them both with the Super 1s Volunteer Award!”

Next up came the awards for Cricket Shropshire’s D40 squad – with coach Graham Furber issuing an appeal for any cricketers interested in the side to come along and get involved.

He said the team had struggled to get a full team on the pitch during the 2026 season due to availability issues and late cry offs, but still managed to win games.

“If there is anyone out there with a disability who wants to get involved, please get in touch.”

The D40 Coaches Batting award went to D40 skipper Adam Marshall and was presented by Graham alongside fellow coach Jonathan Caldecott.

Unfortunately, Adam was unable to attend on the night having recently undergone an operation.

Graham said: “Adam has done a tremendous job in very difficult circumstances.

“He has led the way with the bat scoring 233 runs at 77.67 with a strike rate of 168. In our two victories he scored 75 not out and 78 not out, taking 25 and 28 runs off the first over on each occasion. This placed him third in the list of run aggregates in the ‘Pursuit’ league.

“He also chipped in with six wickets of off-spin at 21.33, with best figures of 4-32.”

The The D40 Coaches Bowling Award went to Oli Harrison.

Graham said: This award goes to an 18-year-old who has stepped forward to open the bowling for us for the last two years.

“Last year, when we competed in one of the top two disability leagues in the country, on occasions showing that he could get top batsmen out, for example taking three wickets against the eventual national champions Lancashire.

“He also represented the England and Wales Transplant team in their Ashes winning series.

“This year he took nine wickets @17.11 with best figures of 3-22 against Warwickshire at Berkswell CC when he took out their middle order with a blistering spell of 3-5. That makes him the League’s third leading wicket-taker.

“Fair to say, at the moment he’s a batsman of potential rather than realisation, but we really look forward to seeing him develop into a genuine all-rounder.”

Graham and John then presented the ECB Cricket Collective Raising the Game award to Phoebe Thomas from St Georges CC.

Graham said: “This award recognises an inspiring young lady who has made an outstanding contribution to making cricket more accessible and inclusive for girls and women with disabilities.

“Phoebe has shown incredible dedication, passion and ability, helping to create opportunities and encourage others to enjoy the game.

“Her commitment and enthusiasm have made a real difference, and she has been described by her nominator as one of the very best they have ever seen.”

Phoebe was unable to attend on the night and her award will be passed on to her.

Look out for more coverage from the awards in the coming days.

Pictures courtesy of Brian Clarke at KidzInFocus – email brian.clarke@kidzinfocus.co.uk

Schools success in awards spotlight

David on November 13, 2026

The county’s cricketing unsung heroes, volunteers, clubs and top performers were all celebrated at the Cricket Shropshire annual presentation evening.

More than 200 people were present on the night at the Albrighton Hall Hotel near Shrewsbury as dozens of awards were handed out.

Chair Adrian Collins praised all the clubs and volunteers across Shropshire as the lifeblood of the game.

The first set of awards were in the Schools category and were presented by the Board’s Director of Schools Simon James.

Cricket Shropshire’s Community Coach Tim Bellet said: “Schools play such an important role in introducing young people to cricket.”

He said the Primary award went to St Mary’s Catholic School in Telford, with teacher Christine Brazier taking the individual award.

“Through its enthusiasm for the game and its commitment to our Chance to Shine programme and school competitions, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School has given so many children the opportunity to pick up a bat and ball, learn new skills, and discover a love of cricket.

“The school has also promoted its local cricket club, encouraging children to continue enjoying the game beyond the school gates.

“It’s clear that cricket has become a valued part of school life at St Mary’s, and that’s only possible because of the support and effort of the whole school community.”

“Of course, behind every successful school cricket programme is a teacher who gives their time, energy and encouragement to make it happen – someone who sees the value of cricket and works hard to ensure children have the chance to enjoy it.

“At St Mary’s, that person is Christine Brazier.

“Christine has been a valued supporter of cricket and the Chance to Shine programme, creating opportunities for children to take part, develop their confidence and enjoy being part of a team.

“Her commitment has helped make cricket a real success within the school and has had a lasting impact on the children she works with.”

The Secondary School of the year award went to Burton Borough School at Newport with teacher Elliot Murphy picking up the individual award – although they were unable to attend on the night.

Cricket Shropshire’s Tyler Ibbotson said: “We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to Burton Borough School and Elliot Murphy for their commitment to Cricket Shropshire and for working so closely with Shannon on the Newport project.

“It means so much to have your support, and we’re really pleased to recognise you with our Secondary School of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards — congratulations to you all!”

Tyler, who is also the Board’s Inclusion Officer, then presented the SEND School and SEND Teacher of the Year awards to Charlton School in Wellington and Holly Fozzard.

He said: “Charlton School and Holly as teacher have put so much care into helping their SEND students develop through cricket, entering every competition and encouraging them to get involved.

“Holly and everyone at Charlton, thank you for all the hard work you put in — we’re so pleased to celebrate you with our SEND School of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards!”

Look out for more coverage from the awards in the coming days.

Pictures courtesy of Brian Clarke at KidzInFocus – email brian.clarke@kidzinfocus.co.uk