Players plea as Disability awards handed out
Cricket is a game for all – and those with a disability who enjoy the game at all levels were celebrated at the Board’s Annual Awards at the Albrighton Hall Hotel near Shrewsbury.
Cricket Shropshire have been active in promoting the game with tournaments for SEND schools in the Summer, running a number of S1 hubs around the county, and promoting S9 and D40 cricket.
All these activities were celebrated during the evening – with a plea for people to get involved at all levels of the game.
Cricket Shropshire’s Inclusion Officer Tyler Ibbotson announced the Super 1s Volunteer Award to Megan and Jack from the Shelton Hub.
He said: “Megan and Jack have given up their Monday evenings for the past couple of years to support the Shelton Hub, bringing such fantastic energy and becoming loved by everyone there.
“We can’t thank you enough for the time and care they give, and it’s a real pleasure to present them both with the Super 1s Volunteer Award!”
Next up came the awards for Cricket Shropshire’s D40 squad – with coach Graham Furber issuing an appeal for any cricketers interested in the side to come along and get involved.
He said the team had struggled to get a full team on the pitch during the 2026 season due to availability issues and late cry offs, but still managed to win games.
“If there is anyone out there with a disability who wants to get involved, please get in touch.”
The D40 Coaches Batting award went to D40 skipper Adam Marshall and was presented by Graham alongside fellow coach Jonathan Caldecott.
Unfortunately, Adam was unable to attend on the night having recently undergone an operation.
Graham said: “Adam has done a tremendous job in very difficult circumstances.
“He has led the way with the bat scoring 233 runs at 77.67 with a strike rate of 168. In our two victories he scored 75 not out and 78 not out, taking 25 and 28 runs off the first over on each occasion. This placed him third in the list of run aggregates in the ‘Pursuit’ league.
“He also chipped in with six wickets of off-spin at 21.33, with best figures of 4-32.”
The The D40 Coaches Bowling Award went to Oli Harrison.
Graham said: This award goes to an 18-year-old who has stepped forward to open the bowling for us for the last two years.
“Last year, when we competed in one of the top two disability leagues in the country, on occasions showing that he could get top batsmen out, for example taking three wickets against the eventual national champions Lancashire.
“He also represented the England and Wales Transplant team in their Ashes winning series.
“This year he took nine wickets @17.11 with best figures of 3-22 against Warwickshire at Berkswell CC when he took out their middle order with a blistering spell of 3-5. That makes him the League’s third leading wicket-taker.
“Fair to say, at the moment he’s a batsman of potential rather than realisation, but we really look forward to seeing him develop into a genuine all-rounder.”
Graham and John then presented the ECB Cricket Collective Raising the Game award to Phoebe Thomas from St Georges CC.
Graham said: “This award recognises an inspiring young lady who has made an outstanding contribution to making cricket more accessible and inclusive for girls and women with disabilities.
“Phoebe has shown incredible dedication, passion and ability, helping to create opportunities and encourage others to enjoy the game.
“Her commitment and enthusiasm have made a real difference, and she has been described by her nominator as one of the very best they have ever seen.”
Phoebe was unable to attend on the night and her award will be passed on to her.
Look out for more coverage from the awards in the coming days.
Pictures courtesy of Brian Clarke at KidzInFocus – email brian.clarke@kidzinfocus.co.uk