Last ball thriller to launch new Furrows Evening League
There was a final ball thriller in the game between Wrekin College and Lilleshall as the new Furrows East Shropshire Mid-Week League kicked off with its opening fixtures.
Over 50s claim victory over Pears
Cricket Shropshire’s Over 50s launched their 2025 league campaign with victory over Herefordshire at Eastnor CC.
Skipper Adam Shimmons won the toss and decided to take first use of the deck on a warm day and saw his side make a solid start despite the early loss of Bryan Jones.
Mark Downes then built partnerships with Dave Good (30) and Mark Jones (48) as he smashed 88 off 76 balls before he was bowled attempting to press the accelerator at the end of the innings.
But Shimmons took on the mantle to hit a quick-fire 47 off 40 balls to boost the Shropshire total to 246-5 off their 45 overs.
Herefordshire’s steady reply saw them build to reach 150 before the second wicket fell in the 33rd over.
But excellent fielding and bowling from Shropshire saw Shimmons (3-46) and Shane Gwilt (2-21) rip out the middle order with Downes chipping in with the important wickets of the in-form batters on his way to 2-33 from his nine overs.
It meant the hosts finished on 212-9 to give Shropshire victory by 34 runs.
The Over 60s came close to claiming victory in their opening game against Staffordshire at Burslem in the National 60+ Division 1 Midlands.
They suffered an early setback after being asked to bat first when Martin Chambers suffered a back spasm and had to retire hurt.
But John Foster (70) and Peter Hayes (84) then combined in a 117-run second wicket partnership to set the platform for the rest of the innings. They finished on 205-5 – with the feeling in the camp might be slightly below par.
The ten men then battled hard in the field with debutant Richard Upton taking his first wicket for Shropshire as the hosts reached 62 in the 12th over.
Tim Cotton, returning to the fold after an injury lay-off, then struck three times and Keith Higgins claimed 2-35 to turn the screw and leave the game in the balance.
The hosts managed to sneak across the winning line with three balls remaining to claim victory by three wickets.
The Over 60s 2nd XI hosted Worcestershire at Forton and were asked to bat first, Paul Humphreys providing the cornerstone of the innings with 56 out of an eventual total of 128.
The Pears knocked off the runs for the loss of just one wicket, claimed by Dave Watkins.
Women’s XI bow out of T20 cup
Cricket Shropshire’s Women’s XI were left to reflect on what might have been as they bowed out of the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup after defeat by Northamptonshire.
Security warning after Albrighton break-in
Cricket clubs in Shropshire have been warned to be on their guard after thieves struck at Albrighton Cricket Club for the second time in two years.
Festival fun at Worfield shows affiliation package at work
The new Affiliation initiative launched this year by Cricket Shropshire aims to bring together schools and clubs to boost the game across the county.
Mersey mission for Disability D40 side
Cricket Shropshire’s Disability D40 side found themselves up against one of the best teams in the country when they travelled to Lancashire for their opening game of the 2025 season.
A league reorganisation has seen them ‘promoted’ to the Northern section of the Quest competition – one of the two strongest leagues in Disability cricket.
On Sunday at Ashton-on-Mersey CC they found themselves up against a Lancashire team including a number of England and DPL standard players.
They slipped to defeat but put in a determined display despite a number of absences that pleased the coaches Graham Furber and Jonathan Caldecott.
Graham said: “We are going to need our strongest side out to be competitive but the unfortunately four of our top six batsmen from last season were unavailable including our talismanic captain Shaun Rigby.
“This, combined with a later cry-off due to ill-health, meant our side featured six players from last year’s S9s side – and one of the youngest we have ever fielded.”
New skipper Adam Marshall won the toss and asked the hosts to bat, and they then built an imposing opening stand of 220.
They eventually finished on 375-5 with Kris Collinge hitting a magnificent 168. Teenager Oli Harrison was the pick of the bowlers with 3-40 – all his wickets coming in an impressive second spell.
In the reply, skipper Marshall hit a composed 28 as Shropshire were reduced to 66-3 at one point.
But then an unbeaten stand of 126 between Evan Pickford (30) and Cally Rigby (99 not out) saw Shropshire to a respectable 192-3 at the end of their innings.
Graham added: “If ever an innings deserved a century, it was Cally’s with his 15 boundaries and 4 maximums performing at his most belligerent best, even taking 22 from one over.
“He was on 97 with one ball to go and I don’t think even our opponents would have begrudged him the magic three figures.
“Congratulations to Lancs Disability CDO John Hughes and his squad for the competitive but respectful way in which the game was played, a real credit to disability cricket.
“Ashton-on-Mersey is a very hospitable club with a huge playing area, a lightning fast outfield and situated right on the banks of the Mersey River. This was their first occasion of hosting a Disabilty game and their hospitality was excellent.
“We still feel that we are missing league cricketers with a disability who would be of a huge benefit to our squad and we will continue to work with the Board to try to find additional players to develop the squad.
“The standard of this league is very high and a number of Premier League cricketers take part.
“To their enormous credit, our team never gave up in adversity, and were a real credit to themselves and to the Board but the difference in quality was very noticeable.”
Shropshire’s next game is on Sunday 25th May when they entertain Yorkshire at Norton-in- Hales CC.
If there are any cricketers interested in getting involved in the D40 side, they can contact Graham via email graham.furber@yahoo.com to discuss eligibility.
Tributes to ex-Age Group coach Bob Anderson
Everyone at Cricket Shropshire is saddened to learn of the death of former Age Group coach Bob Anderson.
EDI/Safeguarding posters sent to clubs
Cricket Shropshire has produced a series of posters promoting inclusivity and safety in cricket – and these are now being distributed to clubs across the county.
Furrows East Shropshire Mid-week League launch
The new Furrows East Shropshire Mid-Week League makes it bow in May after months of planning involving all the clubs involved.
All systems go for Junior Leagues
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