Sunshine, showers and smiles at U13 Girls’ festival
Despite a mix of sunshine and showers, the Chance to Shine’s Shropshire Chance To Compete Under 13 Girls’ Festival delivered a fantastic celebration of cricket, teamwork, and girl power at Frankwell in Shrewsbury.
Hosted by Cricket Shropshire, eight schools stepped up to the plate – Priory, Marches, Newport Girls High A & B, Ludlow, Thomas Adams, Charlton, and Meole Brace.
With four games running simultaneously across four pitches, the competition was fierce and fun from the very first ball to the final over.
Cricket Shropshire Development Administrator Vanessa Russell said: “Guided by Board coaches Darrell, Ed, and Shannon, the teams showed great sportsmanship and spirit, even when the rain tried to steal the show.
“Thankfully, the weather couldn’t dampen the players’ enthusiasm or their competitive edge.”
The nail-biting final, umpired by Ed Ashlin, Cricket Shropshire’s Pathway and Coaching Manager, saw Newport Girls High A team edge out Thomas Adams to take home the Shropshire title, while the runners-up also received medals for their efforts.
Vanessa added: “Just as the final overs played out, the sun made a timely return, shining brightly over a brilliant finale.”
Mr Whitehouse, Outreach and Marketing Officer at Newport Girls High, said: “What a great day of cricket – the girls played their hearts out, and it’s been a joy to see them succeed. Huge thanks to Cricket Shropshire for putting on such a brilliant event.”
Vanessa added: “Congratulations to all the players, teachers, and supporters for making the day such a success. Rain or shine, the future of girls’ cricket in the county is looking bright!”
Newport Girls High A now go forward to represent Shropshire at the regional finals in July.
