Women & Girls – Cricket Shropshire

Shropshire Women progress to next round of National T20 Cup

Vanessa on May 9, 2025

Shropshire Women’s 1^st 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 XI start with big win

David on April 24, 2025

Kate Brazier led the way with both bat and ball as Shropshire claimed an ultimately comfortable victory over Cumbria in their opening game in the Metro Bank One Day Cup Division 2 North fixture.

First, she combined with Alex Hale in an 109-run partnership to help Shropshire set a competitive total after they were put into bat at Whitchurch CC’s Heath Road.

Then she led the bowling attack with a three-wicket burst from which the visitors never recovered as Shropshire won by 154 runs.

Opener Robyn Mathews hit 30 at the top of the order and Aamna Khan 27 in the Shropshire innings, but the hosts were in some trouble themselves at 108-6 when Kate joined Alex in the middle after 30 overs (the pair pictured below).

Alex finished unbeaten on 55 off 61 balls, and Kate hit 51 before she was run out with just two balls left in the innings to see Shropshire to 218-7 off their 50 overs.

Kate then bowled her ten overs straight through claiming 3-16, with Freya Jones (1-9 from six overs) also keeping the scoring in check at the top of the innings.

Amy Griffiths (3-24) and Millie Parry (3-9) then took up the attack and ensured Cumbria never got a look in as they were bowled out for 64 in the 25^th over to give Shropshire their big win.

Coach Sam Whitney said: “We battled really hard at the start. There was no pace on the ball to work with, so Robyn and Aamna had to be watchful early on and their partnership set us up so Alex and Kate could play so freely.

“Halfway, I asked us to field and bowl better than them, and we did that. We bowled straight and gave them no freebies.

“We have strength in depth this season, and if we can get the core of eight or nine players out each game I think we can be successful.”

Huge thanks to everyone at Whitchurch CC for hosting the game.

The girls are back in action on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5, when they host Norfolk at Allscott Heath CC.

It is part of the ECB’s new ‘FA Cup style’ Knockout Cup (T20) which will see teams from all three Tiers in the revamped women’s game entered.

Thanks to Shrewsbury-based DY USA for their continued support of Shropshire’s Women’s XI. The team played in the new kit provided by support given to the Board by DY USA.