MCC Boys U15s progress in national KO
Cricket Shropshire’s Under 15 Boys MCC side are through to the second round of the National Knockout after two contrasting wins.
They travelled to Moddershall CC where the Shrewsbury hub took on sides from Stoke and Wolverhampton. Their first opponents, Stoke, won an important toss and inserted Shrewsbury in bowler friendly conditions.
These conditions were exploited well by Stoke and the batting side found themselves in trouble early on at 15-3.
This brought together Fin Bradbury (27) and Will Reece together who stabilised the innings to take the score to 60-4.
Reece went onto to score 51 and with the help of Kavan Gulati (11 not out) took their side to a workable score of 120.
Stoke took command early on in their chase and at 66-1 off 11 overs were very much the favourites, but good fielding and bowling brought Shrewsbury back into it to leave Stoke needing 12 off the last over.
A wicket from first ball of that over and Shrewsbury were in the box seat but a dropped catch, scampered singles and a 6 left3 needed off the final ball!
A tense situation for all watching, playing and coaching but Toby Cantwell held his nerve to allow just a single leaving Shrewsbury winners by one run.
Next up were Wolverhampton. Shrewsbury upon winning the toss elected to bat and were soon into their stride on an ever-drying wicket.
Runs from Bobby Langton (64) Mark Coleham (31) and Bradbury again (41 not out) helped them to 173 off 20.
Wolves went about their task with gusto and at the halfway stage were ahead of the rate required but spin twins Danny Batkin and Gulati stifled the scoring to leave Shrewsbury the winners by a comfortable 30 runs.
Coach Darrell Corfield said: “It was a great determined display from Shrewsbury where they were challenged in all facets of the game which made it equally pleasing to come out on top.”
The two wins mean Shrewsbury progress to the second round which will take place next month at Kenilworth Wardens CC in Warwickshire.