Scorers’ views sought

Cricket Shropshire has sent out a mid-season survey to scorers around the county – and is also planning activity for the Winter.

We went through a process of compiling a list of scorers before the season started and held a series of Regional Cluster Meetings

Development Administrator Vanessa Russell said: “We are now at the halfway point of the Saturday season and pathway, juniors and midweek leagues are reaching the end of their season

“Then there is also the Women & Girls activity which runs until September, so we would like to get a feeling of how things are going by filling in our survey.

“It may not cover everything that you want to feedback but please use the open text box at the end of the survey for any other comments.”

The Board plans to collate these in the next two weeks and feedback to the network and organising bodies what you say.

Vanessa added: “Since the workshops/cluster meetings there have been a few changes.

“Scorers are now working closely with the board and umpires, with Clair Ecclestone still the West Mids Officer and County Officer, a she has been joined by Chloe Walmsley and Becki White to support activity and they are being supported by Shannon Aston from the Board.

“We are compiling our Autumn and Winter programme of activity, working alongside the Umpires.

“We are hoping to have a feedback form available for all scorers by end of July, with Autumn Cluster Meetings to discuss the plans through the winter and a review of the season just gone.

“We do feel that the profile of scorers is beginning to be lifted with the work we are doing and supported by the board and SACO, so your continued input is going to be essential going forward.

“We have also agreed to arrange a celebration of the work of umpires and scorers at a joint awards evening in October – more details to follow.”

If there are any scorers not currently on the Board’s database, who wants to get involved they are welcome to fill in the survey.

If anyone wants to be included on our list then can contact Clair in the first instance via claireccleston52@googlemail.com or Shannon via shannon.aston@cricktshropshire.co.uk

The survey can be found HERE.

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

Board’s work with SACO in spotlight

Cricket Shropshire has been working closely with the Shropshire Association of Cricket Officials (SACO) in recent months to promote the important role both umpires and scorers play in the game in the county.

Scorers cluster meeting dates

February sees four regional cluster meetings across the county to meet with scorers to discuss their experiences and gather feedback as we approach the 2025 season. 

Sign In

Register

Reset Password

Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email.