Awards handed out at Presentation Evening
Unsung heroes, loyal club volunteers and fantastic performances on the field were all recognised at Cricket Shropshire’s annual Presentation Evening.
Dozens of awards were handed out on the evening at the packed event held at The Shropshire Golf Centre in Muxton, Telford.
Cricket Shropshire Chair Adrian Collins told those in attendance: “Cricket is Shropshire is in pretty rude health and that is down to all our partners – the clubs, volunteers, officials, parents, coaches and players in the county.
“You are our super power.”
One of the guests on the night was Worcestershire and England Under 19 fast bowler Jack Home who stepped up to present some of the awards.
Cricket Shropshire Coaching and Pathway Manager Ed Ashlin said: “Jack came through the Shropshire pathway. He’s a good example to all young cricketers in the county. He had the skills but also had the additional attitude character you need to make it to the next level.”
The first awards handed out on the evening were the Performance awards
Development Girl – Amelia Jones
Ed said: “Mils had an outstanding summer with the bat, demonstrating real skill and potential. She played across multiple age groups, excelling and competing in all, and also made her debut for our Women’s 1st XI later in the summer. She made over 650 runs including two centuries and two fifties with a best of 103 not out Staffordshire U13s.”
Development Boy – William Jones
Ed said: “William was part of our U11 Boys squad in 2025 and excelled with the bat throughout the summer. He strikes the ball excellently. He is a pleasure to coach, listens well and consistently demonstrates his love for the game. He made a magnificent maiden 100 not out against North Wales.”
Performance Female – Isabelle Crann
Ed said: “Isabelle had a hugely successful summer with wickets aplenty. She played across multiple age groups and took a total of 43 wickets. As a young leg spinner, the control and skill were there for everyone to see, but the calm temperament also stands out as a clear strength. She was particularly impressive within our Women’s 1st XI, often taking key wickets and important stages of the game.”
Performance Male – Ralph Davies
Ed said: “Ralph had a busy summer, representing Shropshire across a number of different age groups. He had an outstanding summer as a young off spinner who showed real skill and maturity above his years. He took 30 wickets across mainly our U14 and U16 groups at an economy under four with a best of 4-17 against Leicestershire U14s. He also had an outstanding maiden 1st XI season at his club producing some excellent displays within the Shropshire Premier League.
Gerry Gladwell – Wicket Keeping – Bertie Kyte
This award honours one of Shropshire’s finest wicket keepers- Gerry Gladwell. Bertie is a talented young keeper; he makes catching the ball look easy and goes about his job with a minimum of fuss. His high number of dismissals coupled with his potential to improve further makes him a deserving winner and we look forward to seeing his future progression.
Shropshire Women’s 1st XI Player of the year – Kate Brazier
Ed said: “This was a difficult choice as every player within the Women’s team has put in match winning/defining contributions over the summer. Special mentions to Ava Clive who averaged over 60, including two fifties and a magnificent game-winning century in the 50 over final against Oxfordshire. Also, to Amy Griffiths whose all-round contributions were consistently superb – 35 wickets and over 250 runs.
Kate was a model of consistency and a superb example to our young players. She took 24 wickets often taking out key top order wickets and bowling in the powerplay. She also scored one fifty in a crucial early victory against Cumbria.”
Shropshire Men’s 1st XI Player of the year – Harry Chandler
Ed said: “It is worth highlighting the campaign of the men’s team this summer. The team had an outstanding 50 over competition, going unbeaten in the group stages and eventually progressing to the final at Chester Boughton Hall. They fell just short against an outstanding Dorset side but despite this, it was a superb achievement from all involved reaching a first final for 12 years. In the T20 competition we were able to provide opportunities to several young, homegrown players and this continued into the 3-day championship where we had competitive draws against Wales and Cheshire. My thanks go to Captain Charlie Home, Manager Ed Home and the wider committee for their tireless work throughout the year.
“The player of the year award goes to Harry Chandler, a player who came through the Shropshire age group system. Having had a taste of National Counties cricket in his younger years, he came back into the side this summer and particularly excelled in Championship Cricket. He made 380 runs, averaging just under 50 with three fifties and his maiden Shropshire century – 105 against Wales at St Asaph.”
Team of the year – Shropshire Women’s 1st XI
Ed said: “For 2025, there was one clear stand out – this team had an outstanding summer culminating in national success.
“Our Shropshire Women’s First XI began the summer as part of the re-structured ECB Tier 3 programme and competed in both the T20 and 50 over competitions. The T20 competition saw us impressively win nine out 10 matches and top our regional group and meant a final against Oxfordshire at Wormsley.
“Unfortunately, Oxfordshire came out on top on the day but what a great experience and achievement from all involved.
“The 50 over competition saw further success with the team winning four out of five (the other game was abandoned) and again topping the group. This meant a reunion with Oxfordshire and a chance to reverse the outcome of the T20 final. The match at Kibworth saw a dominant and outstanding performance to see Shropshire win by five wickets. This meant promotion to Division 1 within 50 over cricket for 2026.
“This was due reward for the skills and commitment shown by the players and the coaching/management staff throughout the summer.
“From Norfolk to Cumbria, the travel and hours on the road were worth it. My thanks go to all players, parents and in particular our Manager Lyn Perrin, Coaches Sam Whitney & Naomi Payne and Captain Lara Jones. Our thanks to go to Warwickshire for their continued support of the Women’s programme with Shropshire able to provide opportunities to some of their upcoming talent. This was a team built on some outstanding senior players supporting exciting young players playing consistently excellent cricket across the season.”
More stories from the Presentation Evening to follow in the next few days.
Pictures courtesy of Brian Clarke at Kidz In Focus contact brian.clarke@kidzinfocus.co.uk