Launch weekend for Shropshire Disabled Cricket League
This weekend sees the start of the 2025 edition of the Shropshire Disabled Cricket Indoor League (SDCL).
This weekend sees the start of the 2025 edition of the Shropshire Disabled Cricket Indoor League (SDCL).
Getting involved in Disability cricket can be incredibly rewarding. We spoke to Cricket Shropshire’s D40 wicket-keeper/batter Kev Baker about his experiences.
Three members of the Cricket Shropshire Disability community were in the spotlight during the Presentation Evening held at the Albright Hussey Hotel.
The three awards were handed out as Coach Graham Furber reflected on a mixed season for the county’s Disability sides – the D40s and the S9s – presented by Lead Coach Jonathan Caldecott.
He said: “It’s fair to say that the Disability squads have had a difficult season. The S9s finished bottom of their group without a win, but the weather did disadvantage us on two occasions and adversely influence the result.
“The D40s finished third in a their group, despite being top after the first two games – a similar situation to last year.
“Our main problem has been unavailability, with three regulars being unavailable for the whole season due to illness and injury, and a further one due to international call-ups.
“We need to recruit to bolster our aging squads, with both youngsters and established players.
“We will be working closely with Cricket Shropshire to raise the profile of disability cricket in the county in the coming months – if you know of anyone in your club that would be eligible to join our squads, please get in touch.”
Successes:
S9 Player of the Season – Ewan Woodhouse
Graham said: “Ewan who has been with us for a couple of years, but who couldn’t start the season with us because of taking his GCSEs. Once available, he represented both the S9 and D40 squads and contributed something in every game he played.
“For the S9s, he made 38 v Warwickshire away in the pouring rain (4x4s and 3x6s!) and took 3-19 against Staffordshire away. For the D40s he took 3-17 v Warwickshire at home.”
D40 Player of the Season – Adam Marshall
Graham said: “Adam is unable to be at the awards because he is spending the Winter playing cricket in Australia. He returned to play for Shropshire this Summer, after taking a year away with Yorkshire. In five innings he scored 205 runs at an average of 68.33 with a top score of 75 not out at Yorkshire.
“Bowling he took 2-8 against Yorkshire away and 3-33 against Warwickshire at home.
“In this latter match, he also had kept wicket for the first 20 overs of the innings due to illness of our regular ‘keeper, Kev Baker.”
Disability Champion of the Year – Ellen Hassell
Disability Coach Tyler Ibbotson said: “Ellen has shown remarkable dedication and commitment over several years, particularly in scoring for the Super 9s and D40 games.
“Her consistent hard work and passion have made a significant impact, ensuring that every game runsmoothly and that all players feel valued and supported. Her behind-the-scenes contributions often go unnoticed and they have been asset to our community.
“Ellen, your dedication is truly inspiring. Thank you and congratulations!”
If anyone would like a high-resolution digital version of any of these pictures, we can supply them for £5, half of which will be donated to the chosen charity of the evening MIND. If you wish to order three pictures it will be £10, five for £15 or 10 for £20.
Cricket Shropshire’s S9 squad rounded off their ECB programme for 2024 with a defeat against Staffordshire at Betley CC.
Cricket Shropshire’s D40 side finished their ECB Pursuit campaign with a 22-run defeat against Warwickshire at St Georges CC.
An improved batting display was the highlight for Cricket Shropshire’s S9s when they travelled to Castle Bromwich CC to take on Warwickshire in a rain-affected game.
Cricket Shropshire’s Disability D40 side slipped to a frustrating defeat when they travelled to Barnsley to take on Yorkshire at Higham CC.
Cricket Shropshire S9 squad suffered a disappointing defeat when they travelled to Darley Abbey CC to take on Derbyshire.
Cricket Shropshire’s S9s slipped to defeat in a rain-affected game against neighbours Staffordshire at Calverhall CC.
Cricket Shropshire’s D40 side slipped to a frustrating defeat when they entertained high-flying Cheshire at Shelton CC