Club Safeguarding Officers meeting
Cricket Shropshire is hosting a meeting for Club Safeguarding Officers on Wednesday, September 10, at Wrekin College Cricket Pavilion in Wellington, Telford.
Amy and Lara steer Women’s XI to victory
A vital 86-run sixth wicket partnership between Amy Griffiths and skipper Lara Jones saw Shropshire edge to victory against Herefordshire in their Metro Bank One Day cup campaign.
Chasing a modest target of 132, Shropshire were in trouble in their reply when they slumped to 40-5 in their reply at Ludlow CC
But Griffiths (40) and Jones (39) combined to build their partnership and put Shropshire back in the driving seat.
Both fell with the winning line in sight but Shropshire edged home by two wickets with plenty of overs to spare.
Earlier Shropshire had dismissed the visitors for 131, a couple of early run outs from Ava Clive helping to put Herefordshire on the back foot.
Kate Brazier led the attack on her home turf with 3-25 from her six overs, Harriet Shuker took 2-19 and Griffiths 3-31 as Herefordshire were bowled out in the 32nd over of their innings.
Coach Sam Whitney said: “We won the toss and asked them to bat on a sunny day – but the pitch looked like it might be tricky to score on.
“We bowled tightly and fielded superbly well to keep them to 130 including two run outs showing calmness under pressure to get two of their top players out.
“On a tough pitch to bat on, we probably went too attacking at the start and it cost us wickets, being early on shots on a sticky pitch.
“At 40-5, Hereford had us on the ropes until the experience of Griffiths and Jones came together. They batted very smartly, putting bad balls away and running well.
“It was a great example for the young players how to build a partnership on a tough pitch.
“A slight blip at the end made it closer than we wanted, but we got over the line once again.”
The third victory of the 50-over campaign leaves Shropshire joint top of League Three Division Two North with Northumberland after three games, just behind on run rate.
The top two teams clash in their next fixture at Whitchurch CC’s Heath Road ground this Sunday, September 7.
Autumn skills sessions for youngsters
Cricket Shropshire will once again be running a series of skills session for boys and girls early in the Autumn.
Cricket Pitch Maintenance seminar in Shropshire
A Cricket Pitch Maintenance Seminar is being held at Prees Cricket & Recreation Ground next Wednesday, September 3, from 5.30pm.
Young umpires take centre stage
Two Shropshire youngsters are taking their exciting first steps on their umpiring journey thanks to a new initiative between Cricket Shropshire and the county’s Association of Cricket Officials.
Sanisa Golar and Olivia Ashely took to the field as standing umpires in a county Age Group game between Shropshire Girls Under 13s and their Worcestershire counterparts at Willey CC last week.
Both first became involved in the officiating pathway during the Winter when they completed their Introduction to Umpiring Course in Shropshire.
Since then, they have been supported by Shropshire Association of Cricket Officials’ (SACO) Youth Development Officer Nathan Bartram who has been mentoring them on their umpiring journey.
It has seen them gain invaluable experience through festival cricket, junior matches and their first County Age Group game.
It has also seen them invited to Hundred games at Trent Bridge and Edgbaston in the past month to see first-hand the officials in action at the games.
Olivia also umpired her first Shropshire County Cricket League game at the weekend – taking charge of Whitchurch 3s v Chelmarsh2s in Sunday Division Two match – and was praised by both sides for her dedication to all things cricket.
She also plays for Whitchurch’s Wickettes side, has become and ECB Support Coach and completed her Scorers Course in recent weeks.
Nathan said: “What’s really refreshing is how eager young people are to learn. Olivia and Sanisa have been brilliant taking everything on board and showing real talent.
“But just as importantly, by standing out in the middle, they’re showing the players that umpiring isn’t just a role for ex-male players. They’re making it visible and achievable for anyone who wants to get involved.
“The message they’re sending is powerful: that could be me.”
The vision now is to continue developing opportunities for new officials.
Plans are already in hand for targeted training courses over the winter including female-only courses and ones aimed for ethnic minorities to help broaden access and keep new umpires engaged all year-round.
Nathan added: “Our goal is to build a young officials’ development group so that, by next season, we’ve got even more new and younger umpires standing in county and junior games.
“If we can keep that momentum going, the future of umpiring in Shropshire looks really exciting.”
Cricket Shropshire Lead Officer Steve Reese said: “It was fantastic to see Sanisa and Olivia take charge of our County Age Group game last week.
“It not only highlighted the talent of two promising young umpires, but also underlined Cricket Shropshire’s commitment to making cricket more inclusive and ensuring that everyone whatever their age, gender, or background can see a pathway into the game.”
To find out more about how to start your umpiring journey, look out for details of forthcoming courses to be held in Shropshire in the upcoming months via the Board’s website HERE.
Alternatively check out the Shropshire Association of Cricket Officials website HERE or the ECB website HERE.
Busy fortnight for County Age Groups
Charlie Ward hit a century as Shropshire Under 18 Boys had the better of a two-day game against Herefordshire at Worfield CC.
Wem’s stolen outfield mower found
The John Deere outfield mower from Wem CC on Friday has been found and recovered.
Clubs warned to be on alert after Wem mower theft
Cricket club in and around Shropshire have been warned to be on their guard after thieves struck at Wem Cricket Club stealing the outfield mower.
Online ECB Umpiring course available
Calling all clubs in Shropshire: do you have someone who wants to become a qualified Umpire – whether for league fixtures, junior games or Women & Girls cricket?
Fun in the sun at Girls’ Softball Festival
Everyone had a great day at the Girls Softball Festival organised by Cricket Shropshire at Newport CC on Sunday.
