U14 Boys crowned County Cricket Champions

The U14 boys were crowned as County Champions this week, following back-to-back victories on the T20 Finals Day.

This result sees the team now progress to the Lord's Taverners U15 Cup in 2024.

A talented Wrekin College side who had previously defeated us earlier in the season were our semi-final opponents. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Shrewsbury posted 160-4, with Rufus D (SH, III) top scoring with 44 from 47 balls. This total looked insufficient when Wrekin were cruising at 78-0, but Leo L's (Rt, III) spell of 2-18 turned the game on its head. He removed both opening batsmen, including Worcestershire CCC's Jones, who struck a fine 60 featuring four sixes, and Wrekin were subsequently 30 runs short.

Ellesmere College were the opponents in the final, and after Shrewsbury amassed a mighty 229 from 30 overs, were never in the hunt. 53 from Harry P (Rb, III) and another 45 from Rufus D were the main contributions. The wickets were shared in the Ellesmere innings, with Humphrey M-E (Rt, III), Leo and Rufus all claiming two scalps as Shrewsbury lifted the trophy.

The U15 Boys are also celebrating after reaching Midlands T20 Finals Day following two big victories of their own.

They overcame Kingstone Academy comfortably in the first match of the day, before facing Abbotsholme in the area final. Shrewsbury were in big trouble at 33-3, but a vital 40 from Harrison V (Rb, IV) and 17 from Isaac E (Rb, IV) helped Shrewsbury to a respectable but not insurmountable score of 124-9. Abbotsholme struggled in the face of an accurate bowling display, and were 22 runs adrift after their allotted 20 overs.

Isaac E was the hero with 2-14 from his 4 overs, as Shrewsbury now face Stamford in the Midlands semi-final next Tuesday.

Adam Shantry

Cricket Professional