U17 Boys' Cricket Team crowned National Champions

Shrewsbury's U17 cricketers clinched victory over a fine Canterbury Academy side on Wednesday, and in doing so became The Cricket Paper U17 National Champions 2022.

Loughborough University was bathed in glorious sunshine as the game began on a true pitch and a lush outfield still damp from the previous day's rain.

The Salopians got off to a flying start thanks to T Wylie's (PH, LVI) fluent 63 from 40 balls, with support coming later in the innings from J Home (Rb, LVI) (39), R Lewis (Rt, UVI) (32) and L Hursthouse (S, V) (31). The final total of 203-7 from 35 overs was competitive, but not out of the reach of a Canterbury side that were previously undefeated all season.

Their reply started positively, with 31 runs coming off the first 5 overs, before 3 quick wickets saw Shrewsbury take control of the game at 58-3 from 13 overs. However, a half century from Burgess brought the game right back into the balance as thundery showers approached. The Canterbury batsman attempted to strike a third six of his powerful innings, but top edged Bradshaw (I, UVI) into the safe hands of Home, who showed tremendous courage to cling on to a match-defining catch. This was followed by another wicket in the next over for E Prideaux (I, LVI), which meant that as the rain arrived and the covers came on, Shrewsbury were 23 runs ahead via the Duckworth Lewis method.

The rain did not abate, and shortly after the two captains shook hands, with Shrewsbury victorious.

Wylie was handed the man of the Match award for his 63, before captain Lewis held the trophy aloft.

Captain R, Lewis with outgoing Master IC Cricket, Andy Barnard.

Adam Shantry

Cricket Professional