Shropshire Disability Open session staged

Cricket Shropshire staged a Disability Open Session at Shrewsbury School for players interested in playing our hardball D40 squad or getting involved in disability cricket. 

Cricket fun at Gobowen spinal clinic

Cricket Shropshire held a Christmas celebration at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Hospital at Gobowen with the Spinal Clinic, welcoming around 20 participants for a fun, inclusive session filled with Christmas-themed cricket games and plenty of laughter.

The Board has been delivering sessions at the hospital for the past two years, using cricket as an alternative way to support patients through movement, confidence and connection. 

It has been incredible to see people socialising, having fun, knowing they aren’t alone, and being reminded that there are still opportunities to participate and feel part of something.

As part of the celebration, Christmas presents were given to everyone who took part. Remaining gifts were donated to The League of Friends at the Heart of RJAH, helping to spread festive cheer more widely.

Cricket Shropshire Development Administrator Vanessa Russell said: “I was amazed by the atmosphere in the room. 

“Seeing people come together, support one another and enjoy themselves through cricket was really special. It’s a powerful reminder of how sport can bring people together, lift spirits and create a genuine sense of belonging.”

This programme is funded through The National Lottery, whose support helps make sessions like this possible.

Thank you to everyone at Gobowen Hospital and The League of Friends at the Heart of RJAH for the continued support — we’re proud to be part of something that makes a real difference.

#CricketShropshire #InclusiveCricket #DisabilityCricket #CommunityCricket #ChristmasCelebration #WellbeingThroughSport

D40s recruitment plea

Cricket Shropshire’s Disability coaches have repeated their appeal for eligible players to come forward and join the county’s D40 squad. 

Dropped catches costly for D40s

Cricket Shropshire’s Disability D40 side were left to rue dropped catches which cost them the chance of victory over Yorkshire at Norton-in-Hales.

Join Shropshire’s Disability sides – with the chance of an England call!

Cricket Shropshire’s Disability performance squads are looking for new recruits to help them compete on the national stage.

And it could lead players to an appearance in a prestigious national competition featured on Sky Sports and England recognition.

It’s an exciting time to get involved in disability sport which has become increasingly popular since the London Olympics in 2012 across a range of disciplines.

This year Shropshire’s D40s competed in the Northern section of the Quest competition up against First Class counties such as Lancashire and Yorkshire.

Shropshire is also looking to bolster the number of players it has available at S9 level (softball) so they can look to rejoin the national competitions

“It’s not about what’s different. It’s about what’s possible.”

Coach Graham Furber said: “For the D40s, this really is top class competition in one of the best leagues in the country.

“We’re up against cricketers who are regulars in the Disability Premier League and also England players – so the standard is really high.

“We feel there are players out there playing regularly in the top divisions of the Shropshire League who may be eligible to play for us in the D40s.

“So we are encouraging them to get in touch and we can have a chat about them getting involved in the games which are competitive but played in a friendly environment.

“It really is a high standard of cricket – and could result in them being selected to play in the Disability Premier League, the final of which is televised live on Sky each season.

“And, of course, that ultimately could lead to England recognition.”

The county’s disability set up is also looking to recruit new players for their S9 side.

Shropshire has a great record of producing players who have gone on to play in both the Disability Premier League and have also had England recognition in recent years.

Shaun Rigby, Adam Marshall and Kev Baker have all played in the DPL, while Shropshire’s James Wojda has also been involved in the competition in a coaching capacity.

Kev was part of the winning team two years ago and took a spectacular catch in the televised final on Sky Sports at the County Ground at Derby – it also went viral on social media.

Teenager Oli Harrison is a member of the England and Wales Transplant cricket squad, while Matty Bailey is a regular in England’s Deaf squad.

Cricket Shropshire Lead Officer Steve Reese said: “The ECB and Cricket Shropshire are committed to increase the profile of disability cricket, with England Disability looking forward to a seven match IT20 mixed disability series against India this Summer.

“It will bring together players with learning disability, physical disability and hearing impaired. 

The highlight will be on Wednesday 25th June where on MCC’s Disability Day, England and India will play at Lord’s where the hosts will be seeking revenge following defeat in the Physical Disability Champions Trophy Final in January against India.”

Anyone interested in getting involved can fill in the form HERE.

Or they can contact Cricket Shropshire via info@cricketshropshire.co.uk

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