Over 50s claim victory over Pears

David on May 16, 2025

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

David on May 16, 2025

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.

Mersey mission for Disability D40 side

David on May 13, 2025

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.

Shropshire Women progress to next round of National T20 Cup

Vanessa on May 9, 2025

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).

Volunteer of the Month launched for 2025

David on April 28, 2025

Cricket Shropshire is looking to highlight the brilliant work that goes on at clubs across the county with the launch of the Volunteer of the Month awards for the 2025 season.

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