Mixed fortunes for U18 Girls

David on September 16, 2026

There were mixed fortunes for the under 18 Girls when they hosted Northumberland at Wrekin College for two T20 games.

In the first game of the day, they dismissed the visitors for 102 in the 18th over with Sophia Parton claiming 3-13, Megan Wigley 2-13 and Alice Deacon 2-19.

Openers Mille Parry (25) and Ashvini Samanta (20) then set Shropshire on course for a seven-wicket win.

In the second game, Northumberland again batted first and this time made 129-8 with wickets shared around as skipper Parry used nine different bowlers, Amy Connelly claiming 2-6.

Shropshire were then reduced to 29-3 in the reply, and despite 29 for Bella Bland were dismissed for 115 to give the visitors the win by 14 runs.

They Under 14 Girls enjoyed a five wicket win over Staffordshire at Endon CC.

The hosts batted first and finished their 40 overs on 193-5 with the wickets shared around as eight bowlers were used.

In the reply, Shropshire were reduced to 24-3 early on, but 57 from Ava Mainwaring and un unbeaten 75 from Isabel Price saw them claim victory with more than five overs to spare.

They also beat Worcestershire in a T20 by 15 runs at Rectory Park in Sutton Coldfield.

Batting first they made 122-5 with Anabelle Burton unbeaten on 29 and Sophie Longworth hitting 20. In the reply they restricted the hosts to 107, Sophie Kundu and Alice Deacon taking two wickets apiece.

They had earlier lost to Staffordshire at the same venue in a high-scoring game.

Batting first, Shropshire made 159-3 mainly thanks to a brilliant innings of 106 not out from 65 balls by skipper Mills Jones. Staffordshire reached their victory target for the loss of four wickets, Jones claiming two of them.

They rounded off a busy season with a defeat to Worcestershire in a 40 over game at Halesowen, the final scheduled reverse fixture cancelled due to rain.

Shropshire were bowled out for 133, Zara Tomkins the main-stay of the innings with 42 off 49 balls. The hosts claimed victory by eight wickets.

The Under 13 girls travelled to Hanley Swan and Upton to take on Worcestershire and Esme Bartlett-Minton claimed 3-23 as the hosts made 215-3 from their 35 overs.

Poppy Williams hit an unbeaten 32 in the reply, but Shropshire were dismissed for 89.

Pictured are the Under 18 girls celebrating a wicket against Northumberland at Wrekin College.

Young umpires take centre stage

David on August 28, 2025

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.

Sign In

Forgot password?

Register

Reset Password

Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email.