A summer of international and national recognition for Shrewsbury cricketers

It’s been a fantastic summer for Salopian cricketers.

Freddie O (Ch, LVI) has become the latest Salopian to earn international recognition at U19 level.

He has been called up to the Ireland U19 side who will take on their England and Scotland counterparts at Loughborough University in a Tri-Series beginning next Thursday.

His achievement is even more impressive given that he is only 16 years of age, having previously excelled for the Ireland U17 side last month. 

Freddie enjoyed a fine season in Shrewsbury colours, and after an off-season in which he worked diligently on his game in the indoor cricket centre, opened the batting in the 1^st XI for the majority of the season, notching several impressive half-centuries. He also shone for Cheshire U16s, who have reached the ECB national final, and he has also been invited to join the Glamorgan CCC Satellite Academy. His international selection caps a mightily impressive 12 months.

Elsewhere the U15 boys have also earned national recognition, after representing the Midlands at the stunning Arundel Castle ground on Sunday, where they competed in the showpiece ESCA T20 Finals Day.

Despite a magnificent spell from Arjan B (SH, IV) who took 3-20 from his four overs, Scarborough College posted 162 from their 20 overs, which proved a bridge too far for the Salopians as they fell 26 runs short. To reach the final four stage of a national competition is a feat worthy of celebration, and the boys can be incredibly proud of their achievements.

Shrewsbury also played host to its U11 and U12 County Cricket Festivals during the summer, with sides such as Gloucestershire, Northamptonshire and Derbyshire competing. There was also international representation with a Dubai Academy team, as well as a Global squad featuring players from as far afield as New Zealand. Over 220 young players took part in the festivities, with many of them setting their sights on returning to Shrewsbury as pupils in the near future. 

Also this Summer, Sixth Former Charlotte K (QEH) has represented Staffordshire U18s with distinction, while Millie P (MSH, V) and Aamna K (M, V) have enjoyed very successful seasons with Shropshire and Warwickshire respectively. Millie smashed her highest score of 114* for Shropshire U18s, while Aamna lifted the Regional U15 Champions Trophy with Warwickshire. Both Millie and Aamna also represented Central Sparks EPP. 

OS Bel Ellsmore (G, 2022-24) has frequently appeared for Central Sparks Academy, and is currently playing in the school games at Loughborough, competing against the West Indies and Ireland U19s.

Adam Shantry

Cricket Professional