Shropshire Knight/Stokes cup winners crowned
Haberdashers’ Adams and Newport Girls High are the inaugural Shropshire Schools Knight/Stoke Cup winners.
The Knight/Stokes Cup was launched this year as a new hardball Under 15s competition for girls and boys teams from state schools only backed by the MCC.
Cricket Shropshire’s Darrell Corfield, who organised the Shropshire rounds in the competition, said: “This was the first year of the competition with Shropshire seeing 16 teams enter the boys’ competition, underlining the appetite for state school cricket across the county.”
Shrewsbury School played host to an exciting finals day for the boys competition which brought together Haberdashers’ Adams, Bridgnorth Endowed, Church Stretton and Thomas Telford, with two semi-finals deciding who would progress to the final.
Darrell added: “Both matches were keenly contested and produced a good standard of cricket, reflecting the strength and enthusiasm of schools cricket across the county.
“In the first semi-final, Haberdashers’ Adams overcame Church Stretton to secure their place in the final. Church Stretton contributed to a competitive contest, but Haberdashers’ Adams showed composure and quality at important moments to move into the final.
“The second semi-final saw Bridgnorth Endowed take on Thomas Telford in another closely fought match which went to the last over as Endowed held their nerve to come through and set up a final against Haberdashers’ Adams.”
The final between Haberdashers’ Adams and Bridgnorth Endowed was affected by rain, but the weather did not prevent a decisive performance from Haberdashers’ Adams.
They went on to defeat Endowed by nine wickets, producing a confident display to claim the Shropshire title.
Darrell added: “With the victory, Haberdashers’ Adams earned the honour of representing Shropshire at the regional finals of the boys’ competition.
“All four schools played their part in a successful finals’ day, with plenty of promising cricket on show and a strong competitive spirit throughout.”
In the regional rounds, Adams beat Painsley Catholic School from Stoke-on-Trent in the semi-final, but were then defeated by 15 runs in the final by Lawrence Sheriff Grammar School from Rugby.
Newport Girls High claimed the Girls U15s title and went on to compete in the regional rounds where they were knocked out at the semi-final stage.
Reflecting on the first year of the Knights/Stokes competition in the county, Cricket Shropshire’s Tim Bellett said: “It’s been great! It gives state school kids the opportunity to play at a great venue whilst also doing something they enjoy.
“For many of the children, this was their first experience of hardball cricket, so it was brilliant to see them embrace the challenge with such enthusiasm, confidence, and determination.
“We are seen every player giving their best, supporting fellow players and demonstrating great sportsmanship!
“All the schools and teachers were consistently helpful and supportive of this competition, encouraging pupils both on and off the field.
“Their cooperation and commitment played a huge part in making the event a success and ensuring that every student had a memorable experience.
“Opportunities like this not only help develop cricketing skills, but also build confidence, teamwork, and a love for cricket which we hope will stay with them into their future.”
