Shrewsbury retains national title in The Cricket Paper Cup

On an idyllic day at Loughborough University, Shrewsbury became the first side in the history of the competition to retain The Cricket Paper National Boys U17 Cup. 

After defeating Repton in a thrilling semi-final in June, the Salopians faced a Winchester College side with the best win percentage in schools cricket during the 2023 season.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, T Wylie (O, UVI) crashed 5 boundaries in a rapid 24 before being bowled as the new white ball moved lavishly. With captain J Home (O, UVI) already departed for 10, when Hursthouse (S, LVI) was dismissed for 33 the game was finely poised with the score at 99-3 after 19 overs. O Parton (O, UVI) and O Cooke (O, UVI) then joined forces to put on 74 in under ten overs, and with a rapid 20 from J McDonald (O, UVI), Shrewsbury posted an imposing 229 from their 35 overs.

The Winchester reply was stunted in the face of exemplary opening salvos from Home (2-19) and W Jenkins (Rt, UVI) (3-20), and with the score at 37-3 after 13 overs, Shrewsbury had a stranglehold which they did not relinquish.

Man of the Match: O Cooke (left)

The final margin of victory was 64 runs, and at just after 5pm, captain Home made history as he lifted the trophy aloft.

Adam Shantry

Cricket Professional 

We caught up with some of the squad to find out more about their successful campaign.

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