Chloe and Holly on international duty
Two Shropshire scorers have been recognised for their achievements after taking on duties at international fixtures during the 2024 season.
The presentation to Chloe Walmsley and Holly Eccleston took place at the Shropshire Association of Cricket Officials’ (SACO) annual meeting recently at Allscott Heath CC.
Holly, from Whitchurch CC, was the official scorer for England Women in their game against New Zealand at New Road, Worcester, last June.
Chloe was scorer for the England U19s game against the West Indies at Loughborough as part of the School Games at the end of August.
She is also lined up to score at Lord’s next month as part of the officials team for the national Girls Schools Indoor Finals.
Holly has scored at a number of international fixtures in recent years, while Chloe is stepping up her scoring journey after getting involved at Madeley CC.
Chole said: “I got into scoring through my younger sister who took it on as a hobby and scored in the Birmingham League.
“Learning first-hand from her inspired me to get involved myself. I play for Madeley Ladies team having scored for them when I was on maternity leave.
“I’ve scored for a variety of the Shropshire County Age Group teams – U14 boys, U18 girls, Ladies and the Academy side – and I have also scored for the Shropshire Over 50s side.
“I would encourage anyone who has even a little bit of interest in scoring to give it a go! In my opinion, it’s the best place to watch a game of cricket.”
The SACO annual meeting was well-supported with 53 umpires and scorers in attendance. A curry was enjoyed by all as well as a run through of the 2025 new rules and regulations presented by Tim Barber.
Two new members joined the SACO Committee at the meeting.
David Nock has taken on the Development Officer role releasing Colin Wetherley-Mein to focus on the Appointments Officer position.
Nathan Bartram has joined the committee in a new position of Junior Officials Officer – he will work closely with SACO and Cricket Shropshire to look to encourage and support the emergence of younger umpires to the county.
Chair Tom Kane also advised the meeting of a successful recruitment and training during the winter.
More than 20 umpires attended the ECB Introduction to Umpiring Courses, and SACO is looking forward to as many of six of these joining the SCCL Umpire Panel for 2025 Season.
If anyone is interested in getting involved in umpiring or scoring in Shropshire, they can get in touch with either Andy Johnson (Secretary) Tel: 07572 687077 Email secretary@shropsaco.co.uk or Clair Ecclestone (Scorers Representative) Email scorers_rep@shropsaco.co.uk
