County Age Group Awards 2024 – Boys’ Performance
Our final review of the Shropshire County Age Group Awards focuses on our Boys’ Performance sides.
This features Under 14s, 16s and 18s sides with batting, bowling and coaches’ awards handed out in each category in the presentation which was held at Prestfelde School last month.
Under 14s
Batting – Ollie Dyson
Ollie has shown tremendous potential, embodying both talent and sportsmanship. With an impressive 554 runs this season and an average of 61.56, his consistency and dedication have truly stood out. Scoring more than twice as many runs as his closest teammate is an incredible achievement. His two centuries, three fifties, and a top score of 130 not-out were instrumental in the team’s success. Beyond his personal accomplishments, he has led by example, stepping up as captain on three occasions. What’s even more remarkable is that he achieved all this after recovering from a significant knee injury earlier in the year. His resilience and focus are inspiring to the entire squad.
Bowling – Matthew Morris
Matthew’s hard work and dedication were evident throughout the season. Several players impressed with the ball, but this individual stood out for his consistency and tireless effort. Bowling 56 overs, the most in the squad, he took 10 wickets at an average of 23.5, and his left-arm over action brought a unique challenge to opposing batters. Opening the bowling in 10 games, he dismissed seven top-order batters, which is no easy feat. His ability to maintain an economy rate of 4.2 runs-per-over, one of the best among his peers, speaks to his discipline and skill. He has been a key asset to the team, contributing to both pressure and breakthroughs
Coaches’ Award – George Davies
George consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, determination, and a willingness to learn. Every member of the team has shown growth and commitment, but George’s reliability and positive attitude were truly exceptional. He played in all fixtures, delivering 49 overs of disciplined bowling, taking nine wickets at an average of 24.22, and maintaining a solid economy rate of 4.4 runs per over. His thoughtful contributions in team discussions and his eagerness to ask questions have been a great asset to the team. His passion for learning and improving has been clear throughout the season, and he’s been a pleasure to coach.
Under 16 Boys
Batting – Finley Jones
Finley had a steady summer and is shows real skill and potential which is exciting for the future. Converting promising starts into bigger starts and making match winning contributions will push him on further – this will come with experience. He made more than 250 runs at an average more than 30, including two fifties. He was our most consistent batter across our U16 and U18s. Well done to others who made half centuries over the season – Morgan Ward, Arjun Cherukuri and Vrishab Eli.
Bowling – Ryan Cumming
Ryan has shown excellent development over the past 12 months and became the teams ‘go to’ bowler. He was given the responsibility to open the bowling with a new white ball in the powerplay which, as a young spinner, is no easy task. He responded superbly taking 13 wickets at average of 15 and economy under 4. His 5-35 against Bucks helped to secure our only win of the season. We look forward to Ryan’s continued development in the future
Coaches – Jason Joseph
Jason has shown a superb attitude across both the Winter and Summer programmes. Prior to injury later in the summer, he bowled with both skill and control. He is always asking questions of the batters and has good potential to improve further. He is an outstanding athlete and always gives everything in the field and has also improved his batting significantly. This award recognises Ryan’s current skill and future potential which is built around a really good attitude and work ethic.
Under 18 Boys
Coach Guy Thompson said it was a somewhat frustrating Summer for the Under 18s with the weather and failure to capitalise on some promising situations in games in both white and red ball cricket.
Reflecting on the white ball games he said: “We had an extremely positive winter in terms of preparation and planning and expressed to the squad that we wanted to play the game with full freedom and go out and showcase what we can do individually but also as a collective with limited fear.
“We didn’t quite grasp the risk/reward approach in batting situations and weren’t disciplined with our bowling consistently enough to exert any sort of pressure.”
The first two-day red ball fixture against Herefordshire at Wrekin College saw the batters hit 288 in 60 overs –the highlight Finn Jones hitting 86.
Herefordshire were then bowled out for 192, Alex Heath picking up 3-16 off and Ollie Parton 4-28. The Shropshire second innings set up a run chase but Herefordshire played out for a draw.
In the return fixture at Eastnor, Herefordshire were bowled out for 220 with Griff Davies, Wilf Peers & Henry Walker all taking two wickets a piece.
In reply, Finn Jones hit 57, Yumeth Athauda 43 and Max Farmington 60 as Shropshire replied with 255. In their second innings, Herefordshire pushed on to 269-7 with Alex Heath and Morgan Yorke taking two apiece. Shropshire were then bowled out for 185. Morgan Ward sparkled with 58 runs and Ollie Parton hit.
In the final fixture against Worcestershire, they batted first and were dismissed for 228 with Alex Heath taking 3-38 & Ollie Parton with 4-60.
Ollie and Finn Jones put on an excellent 150 opening partnership with scores of 79 & 71 respectively but the middle order failed to capitalise and only the late order of Griff Davies and Will Jones 31 a piece got Shropshire beyond Worcester’s total.
Second innings Worcester batted with purpose and set us an achievable target of 262 before Shropshire were bowled out for 114.
Guy said: “In summing up we threw away advantages in all three matches. Positions we should have gone on to win certainly, not to lose as we did in two of the matches.
“Too often we gave away our wickets cheaply and failed to put partnerships together and take responsibility during the match to take our side to victory. Our bowlers toiled very hard in the season to get us into winning positions but a few more maidens wouldn’t go a miss.”
He paid tribute to players for their commitment – especially Griff Davies and Morgan Yorke who travelled from Wales to play home games
“That to me is commitment. All the players playing up did themselves proud and fitted in very well. Team spirit and behaviour was excellent throughout the season.
“In my view with the players I’ve seen this year Shropshire has certainly got some talented players, which bodes well for the future and I look forward to next year’s competitions.”
Batting: Olly Parton
Bowling: Alex Heath
Coaches: Finley Jones
Additional Recognition – 100s/5-wicket hauls/hat-trick
100s
Millie Parry – 114 not out v Cumbria (U18 Girls)
Lauren Kenvyn – 100 v Cheshire (U18 Girls)
Ollie Dyson – 130 not out v Herefordshire and 100 v Oxfordshire (U14 Boys)
5-wicket hauls
Ollie Dyson – 5-30 v Worcestershire (U14 Boys)
Ryan Cumming – 5-35 v Buckinghamshire (U16 Boys)
Hat-trick
Sophia Parton v Warwickshire (U15 Girls)
Pictures courtesy of Brian Clarke from Kidzinfocus – brian.clarke@kidszinfocus.co.uk