☀️ Stay Cool, Play Safe: ECB’s Hot Weather Guide Now Available Below! 🏏
Heading out to play in the heat? 🥵 Check out the ECB’s top tips to stay safe, cool, and hydrated during hot weather cricket! 👇
Four Years of Fun and Inclusion: St Georges CC Hosts Annual SEND Festival
St Georges Cricket Club once again opened its gates for a day of inclusive sporting joy as it proudly hosted its fourth consecutive SEND Cricket Festival, an event now firmly rooted in Shropshire’s cricket calendar.
Under glorious sunshine, young people from local schools came together to enjoy a fun-filled day of softball cricket, adapted games, and plenty of encouragement, showing that cricket truly is a game for everyone.
The festival welcomed students from Burton Borough, Telford Langley, Southall School, The Bridge School, and Charlton, who all took part in inclusive, high-energy activities designed to bring out the best in every player.
Chair of St Georges CC, Mike Waldron, shared his pride in continuing to host the festival:
“We’re delighted to host the SEND Festival once again, something we’ve done for quite a few years now, and it’s always brilliant to see the kids really enjoying themselves. The good weather this year just made it even more special.”
The event wouldn’t be complete without the passion and feedback from schools who’ve seen first-hand the difference cricket can make.
Hannah from The Bridge School said:
“Cricket Shropshire has been amazing for our school. We’ve had sessions throughout the year, and we’ve seen the children’s skills progress massively, from not being able to throw or catch a ball, to now, when most of them are really giving it a go. It’s fantastic. Our children have severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties, but Shropshire Cricket have supported and differentiated them brilliantly. They had such a good time at the spring event that when we were invited back today, we stayed for the full day. It’s been amazing for us to be included, thank you so much!”
Rob Davis from Southall School was thrilled to see his Year 7 and 8 students take part:
“Our students are really passionate about sport. This event gives them the opportunity to play against other schools, make friends, show their talents, and support one another. They’re absolutely loving the cricket and the sunshine!”
Helping to make the day run smoothly were dedicated coaches Tyler (Disability Officer), Tim, Shannon, and Sacha, who worked with schools and pupils throughout the day to deliver exciting, inclusive sessions.
This annual festival is just one part of a broader effort by Cricket Shropshire to ensure that young people of all abilities have access to opportunities to play, grow, and belong. Thanks to the continued support from clubs like St Georges CC, the impact of inclusive cricket across the county continues to shine.
Women’s Softball Action Continues on June 29th – Column CC Steps Up as First-Time Festival Hosts!
The Women’s Softball Festival series keeps on rolling – and the next stop is shaping up to be something special! On Sunday 29th June, teams from across Shropshire will be heading to a brand-new venue on the festival circuit… Column Cricket Club!
Having only recently joined the Women and Girls’ cricket community, Column are diving in with both feet by hosting their very first Women’s Softball Festival – and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them to the lineup.
Naomi Payne, Women and Girls Coach, said:
“Column joining the Women and Girls’ community has been amazing, and now they’re already hosting their first festival! It just shows how welcoming and enthusiastic this network is. We can’t wait to see them in action on the 29th.”
The countdown is on – and for those lucky enough to be playing, it’s set to be another top-class festival in the summer softball series.
So, round up your team, and get ready for more fun-filled cricket at Column CC on Sunday 29th June!
Please register below:
Women’s Softball Festival EOI – 29th June – Cricket Shropshire
Shropshire Women progress to next round of National T20 Cup
Shropshire Women’s 1st XI continued their fine start to the summer progressing to the next round of the newly created Vitality T20 Cup. They overcame Norfolk at Allscott Heath CC on bank holiday Monday and progress to Round 2 against Tier 2 side Northamptonshire on Sunday (11th May 1.30pm start) at Wem Cricket Club. The day was also part of Shropshire T20 North league campaign with the team also coming on top in game two during the afternoon.
The first game of the day (T20 National Cup) saw Shropshire bat first and get off to a flying start. Positive batting from Robyn Mathews (38 of 30), Lara Jones (30 off 24) and Amy Griffiths (38 off 33) set Shropshire up for a big total. Some disciplined bowling and fielding from Norfolk pegged things back somewhat with Shropshire finishing on 147-7 off their 20 overs, a total they would have considered very competitive. A tight opening spell from Kate Brazier (1-16 off 4) and Amy Griffiths (2-7 off 3) put Shropshire in control. Esther Hurford also chipped in with 2 important wickets with Norfolk closing well short on 101-7 off their 20 overs.
In game two (T20 League), Norfolk won the toss and elected to bat first and posted 118-7 with captain May Drinkell making 50 off 54 balls. Wickets were shared around between Brazier, Hurford, Millie Parry and Griffiths. At 47-4 at the halfway stage, the game looked in the balance but a fantastic, controlled partnership between Robyn Mathews (52 not out) and Alex Hale (30 not out) saw them home with just over two overs spare.
Captain Lara Jones was delighted with the performances of the team. ‘The performances were outstanding- we aimed to make a statement in the first game and really showcased our ability and potential. We are proud of the efforts and looking forward to taking the momentum into the next round.’
Pathway & Coaching Manager Ed Ashlin said ‘We would like to thank Allscott Heath for their hospitality on the day. We always enjoy visiting Allscott and we are grateful for the support and hard work of their volunteers in hosting the day.’
Ahead of the next round against Northamptonshire on Sunday, Jones is optimistic but also respectful of the challenge that will be ahead. ‘They are a good team, but we know we have a strong enough squad to compete and hopefully cause an upset’.
The squad to face Northamptonshire in Round two is below;
Robyn Mathews
Mariam Khan
Lara Jones (c)
Amy Griffiths
Ava Clive
Aamna Khan
Millie Parry
Kate Brazier
Esther Hurford
Molly Ferneyhough
Isabelle Crann
Amy Connelly
Spectators are welcome for Sunday’s game at Wem and admission is free (T20 starting at 1.30pm).
Women’s Softball Summer Festivals Programme
We are really delighted to be announcing the beginning of our Women’s Soft Ball Summer Festival Programme with two venues hosting on Sunday, May 11. Newport CC and Acton Reynald CC
It is the first weekend of 9 weekends of festivals due to take place this Summer with further events across the County.
| Date | Venues | |
| 11th May | Newport | Acton Reynald |
| 25th May | Allscott Heath | Whitchurch |
| 1st June | Whittington | |
| 29th June | Column | Pontesbury |
| 13th July | Willey | Condover |
| 20th July | Lilleshall | |
| 27th July | Broseley | |
| 10th August | Shrewsbury | |
| 7th September | Albrighton | |
Matches are six-a-side but teams can bring a squad of up to eight players and rotate them through the games on a rolling substitute basis.
The festivals are for females from age 12 upwards with players batting in pairs for two overs and all players, including the wicket-keeper can bowl with teams using at least four bowlers.
Cricket Shropshire’s Shannon Aston said: “This year’s festivals are a continuation of the ones we have been running for a number of years now with the aim of providing enjoyment for all involved in a fun, friendly and safe environment.
“We encourage everyone to be supportive to each other, be they players, umpires, scorers or spectators. And most importantly, have fun!”
Lead Officer Steve Reese said: “The festivals have been so successful over the years and have provided the bedrock of our growth in Women’s cricket. The clubs are now confident to host these events and they have become popular events in the club calendar.”
The cost per team is £30
If anyone wants any more information, please contact Naomi via naomi.payne@cricketshropshire.co.uk
You can enter a team via the form (link) below.