Steve Leach

Steve Leach takes Birmingham League young player award

By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

SHREWSBURY’S promising young batsman Steve Leach, eyeing a career in professional cricket, has been named as the Birmingham League’s young player of the year.

Leach, who will receive his award at the League’s AGM on January 22, said he was delighted to be recognised for the role he played in helping Shrewsbury be crowned premier division champions.

Leach, 20, the younger brother of Shrewsbury’s Worcestershire all-rounder Joe, struck 831 premier division runs for the London Roaders in 2013 at a healthy average of 43.74.

Only his Shrewsbury opening partner Ed Foster, who plundered 874 runs, and Knowle & Dorridge’s Alex Phillips, who hit 846 runs, bettered Leach’s return with the bat in the top-flight last season.

“It was a very pleasing season with Shrewsbury but the runs wouldn’t have mattered so much had we not won the league,” Leach told the Chronicle.

“It was nice to be able to contribute and it was a very pleasant surprise when I found out I had won this award.

“Quite a few of the Shrewsbury lads have gained recognition for what was an excellent season for the club.

“I want to score even more runs next season and I must admit I’m already really looking forward to it.

“I had played for 18 months solid having spent last winter in Australia but I’ve had a break now and I can’t wait to get back playing again.”

In some ways, admits Leach, it was a bitter sweet season for him as while he shone with the bat for Shrewsbury and also impressed for Shropshire in the Minor Counties Championship, he was disappointed to leave Worcestershire.

But as one door shuts, Leach is hopeful another one may open soon as he sets his sights on following his brother Joe into the County Championship.

Leach is currently strudying business and sport management at Oxford Brookes University which will also allow him to play cricket at a high standard.

He’s already focusing on the matches his university side will play against Nottinghamshire and Warwickshire at The Parks early next season.

“I’ll be looking to get in the side and do as well as I can in those two games,” he said. “The aim for me is to definitely go on and play professional cricket.”

Leach added seeing what his brother has achieved at Worcestershire over the last two summers also serves as a major motivational tool.

“I’ve seen Joe put the hard yards in and he’s doing really well,” he said.

Ed Barnard

Captain Barnard scores half century in England’s first match

By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

VICTORY in his first appearance as England under-19 captain came at a cost for exciting Shrewsbury all-rounder Ed Barnard in the United Arab Emirates.

Barnard, who only turned 18 last month, was handed the huge honour of captaining his country in the opening match of their Tri-Series tournament against hosts UAE last Sunday.

It’s not the first time that Barnard, a popular figure with his Shrewsbury team mates at London Road, has enjoyed the thrill of captaining an England side having previously led the under-17s against Sri Lanka.

Barnard played his part, too, leading from the front to hit a half century and later holding on to two catches as England secured a 42 run victory over UAE in Abu Dhabi.

But the Shrewsbury School student also suffered the pain of a dislocated finger which meant he had to sit out England’s second match the following day, a three-wicket defeat against Pakistan.

Barnard, who missed 12 weeks of the domestic summer owing to a back injury, will now hope to have recovered in time to play in England’s next two games.

They take on UAE tomorrow (Friday) and then meet Pakistan again on Sunday, with both matches in Sharjah.

Barnard batted at number five against the UAE last weekend and led a revival from 47-3 when he came to the crease to help England post 300-6 from their 50 overs.

Barnard struck five fours on his way to making 53 from 58 balls before fellow Shropshire lad Joe Clarke, who, like Barnard, is also contracted to first class county Worcestershire, added an unbeaten 81 from just 64 deliveries on his England debut.

Barnard then successfully called the shots in the field as UAE were dismissed for 258 in the final over of the match.

Barnard scored a century on his England Youth Test debut against South Africa in Cape Town earlier this year and continues to enjoy impressive progress in his flourishing career.

He will return home to Shrewsbury from his current overseas tour just in time for Christmas on December 23.

Pre-season net dates confirmed

Dates for the club’s senior pre-season nets have now been confirmed.

The club is actively seeking new senior playing members and anyone interesting in joining is encouraged to attend or get in touch with either of the club’s captains here.

In total four sessions have been booked so far at Shrewsbury School’s indoor centre. These sessions will take place on Monday evenings between 8.30pm and 10pm with a cost of £3 per player.

Monday 10th February – 8.30pm – 10pm
Monday 24th February – 8.30pm – 10pm
Monday 10th March – 8.30pm – 10pm
Monday 24th March – 8.30pm – 10pm

Ed Barnard

Shrewsbury’s Ed Barnard selected for England under 19 tour

By Stuart Dunn, @studunn21, at The Shrewsbury Chronicle

ED BARNARD, the rising Shrewsbury cricket star, has flown out to the United Arab Emirates on England under-19 duty ahead of Sunday’s opening tour match.

Barnard, who turned 18 last month, will spend the next three weeks in the UAE, representing England in a Tri-Series against the Pakistan and UAE under-19 teams, before returning home to Shrewsbury just in time for Christmas on December 23.

It will act as preparation for the under-19s World Cup to be held in the UAE in February.

Barnard, a key member of Birmingham League champions Shrewsbury’s squad, has been part of the England Development Programme for the last three years and recently signed a new two-year contract with Worcestershire CCC.

He toured South Africa with England under-19s last winter, memorably cracking a century on his Youth Test debut in Cape Town. He then took the final catch of the match to secure England’s victory to crown a stunning man of the match performance.

Barnard missed 12 weeks of the domestic season owing to injury but returned to fitness in time to captain England’s under-17 side in two one-day internationals against Sri Lanka in August.

Barnard, a Shrewsbury School student, will divide his time in the UAE between a busy programme of training and matches with studying for his A levels in Geography, Business Studies and PE.

Barnard, whose older brothers Mike and Steve are both Shrewsbury CC regulars, is part of a 17-man England squad and will hope to be in the England team for their opening tour game against the UAE on Sunday.

His dad Andy, a past captain and chairman of Shrewsbury CC, is the master in charge of cricket at Shrewsbury School.

Steve Leach

MCCC awards for Shrewsbury trio

By Stuart Dunn, @studunn21, at The Shrewsbury Chronicle

A TRIO of Shrewsbury players have received top Midlands Club Cricket Conference awards, with opening batsman Ed Foster insisting the recognition is well deserved.

Shrewsbury swept aside strong competition to be crowned Birmingham League champions with three games to spare in a campaign which also them reach the quarter finals of the ECB National Club Championship.

Now skipper Rob Foster, who could not have wished for a much more successful start at the helm, and promising young opening batsman Steve Leach have both won MCCC Cricketer of the Year awards.

There’s also silverware on the way for consistent wicketkeeper Anthony Parker who has scooped the Esmond Lewis Wicketkeeper of the Year award.

The awards will be presented at a dinner in Birmingham in March.

“It’s great recognition for the players involved but also for the club,” said Ed Foster, whose total of 874 runs made him the top run scorer in the Birmingham League premier division last season.

Five players from across the region are selected for Cricketer of the Year awards each year, with Rob Foster and Leach both getting the nod this time.

“Aside from the captaincy which he took to very well, Rob had a great season with the bat,” said Foster, of his younger brother. “He played some explosive and very effective innings at times but he also batted very responsibly when he needed to.

“The time Steve Leach spent in Australia last winter really helped his development and last season was his first big one in adult cricket.
“He came third in the list of run scorers in the premier division with more than 800 runs, a fantastic achivement for someone so young.

“We’re fortunate to have him at the club and, while it’s disappointing he’s not involved with the professional game at the moment having left Worcestershire, I’m sure another opportunity will come his way at some stage.”

Parker, the long-serving glovesman for Shropshire, played a key role behind the stumps for Shrewsbury in his first season with the club after making the switch from Shifnal.

Foster added: “It’s great for the bowlers to know there’s someone who will take the chances they provide. You won’t find a better wicket-keeper batsman in the league than Anthony.

“Anthony was excited to come and play for Shrewsbury as he’s a fierce competitor who wanted to come and play for a side challenging for trophies.”

Shrewsbury are no strangers to picking up MCCC winners and Elliot Green, their talented leg spinner, was named overall Cricketer of the Year, the top prize available, for 2012.

John Foster, Ed Foster and Steve Gale, all former Shrewsbury captains, have also won the prestigious award in the past.

Graham Williamson Trophy 2014 Winners

Graham Williamson Trophy 2014 draw

Defending Champions Shrewsbury have been handed a trip to West Bromwich Dartmouth in the opening round of the 2014 Graham Williamson Trophy. Should the four-time consecutive winners be victorious, they will host either Kenilworth of Knowle and Dorridge.

The full draw is as follows:

1st Round – To be played on Saturday 12th April, 2014 (12.30pm start)

Match 1 W.B. Dartmouth v Shrewsbury
Match 2 Kenilworth Wardens v Knowle & Dorridge
Match 3 Berkswell v Barnt Green
Match 4 Walsall v Kidderminster Victoria
Match 5 Himley v Brockhampton
Match 6 Walmley v Dorridge
Match 7 Oswestry v Penkridge
Match 8 Wombourne v Wolverhampton

2nd Round – To be played on Saturday 19th April, 2014 (12.30pm start)

Match 9 Winners 1 v Winners 2
Match 10 Winners 3 v Winners 4
Match 11 Winners 5 v Winners 6
Match 12 Winners 7 v Winners 8

1st Round Plate – To be played on Saturday 19th April, 2014 (12.30pm start)

Match 13 Losers 1 v Losers 2
Match 14 Losers 3 v Losers 4
Match 15 Losers 5 v Losers 6
Match 16 Losers 7 v Losers 8

The Plate Competition will not continue after the 1st Round.

Semi – Finals – To be played on Sunday 4th May, 2014 (12.30pm start)

Match 17 Winners 9 v Winners 10
Match 18 Winners 11 v Winners 12

Final – To be played on Sunday 18th May, 2014 (12.30pm start)
Replay – Sunday 25th May 2014 (12.30pm start)

Winners 17 v Winners 18

Joe Leach

Joe Leach signs new contract with Worcestershire

By Stuart Dunn, @studunn21, at The Shrewsbury Chronicle

JOE LEACH insists his performances for Birmingham Cricket League champions Shrewsbury have been key in securing a new contract at Worcestershire.

The influential all-rounder is delighted to have agreed a new deal at New Road and hopes to hold down a regular place for the Pears in the County Championship next season.

He’s currently recharging his batteries ahead of returning to pre-season training on November 4 alongside the likes of Worcestershire’s Shrewsbury-born opening bowler Jack Shantry.

Leach, who cracked his maiden first class century against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham in July, played a key role for Shrewsbury as they were crowned Birmingham League champs for the second time in four years in August.

And the former Shrewsbruy School pupil, who turns 23 on Sunday, stressed his continued involvement at London Road has really helped him push on as a professional cricketer.

“It might sound a cliche but playing for Shrewsbury has taught me to be a winner and there’s nothing better than winning games,” said Leach.

“Being at the forefront of things for Shrewsbury has given me quite a bit of responsibility on my shoulders and I’ve been happy to do that.”

Leach still plans to play for Shrewsbury whenever he’s available next summer but, with his long-term career in mind, he hopes his Birmingham League appearances may be a little more limited as that would mean he’s holding down a regular spot for Worcestershire.

He said: “I would say last season was more of a breakthrough for me as, although I had played some first team cricket at Worcester the year before, it had not gone particularly well.

“I really had to prove myself and I was pleased with 80 per cent of how the season went.

“I’m now hoping for a little more consistency and the aim has to be to have a good pre-season to make sure I’m in the team from day one next year.”

Leach is not the only all-rounder vying for a first team spot at New Road with Gareth Andrew and Ross Whiteley, a recent recruit from Derbyshire, also in the frame.

But Leach believes there is no reason why all three of them should not be accommodated in the side at the same time.

Leach, also a star performer for Shropshire in the past, is currently averaging 23.70 with the bat in first class cricket while he has taken 18 wickets at just under 30 apiece.

Shrewsbury Cricket Club

AGM – 6th November 2013

Shrewsbury Cricket Club gives notice of the forthcoming 2013 AGM to be held at the club on:

Wednesday 6th November 2013 at 7.30pm.

An Agenda has been emailed to all members.

All Members whether they are Players, Life members, Honorary members, Social members and Parents of Juniors are urged to attend as the clubs future regarding the playing, development and social aspects of the club will be discussed in depth and determined by the participants at the meeting.

Parents/Guardians of club juniors are reminded they are valued members of this club and are entitled to one vote at the AGM.

Notes:
a) Only present 2013, paid up, members will be permitted into the clubhouse for the AGM.
b) Junior Members and Honorary Members are reminded they are not eligible to vote.

Rob Foster collects the Birmingham League trophy in 2013

Williamson Trophy win caps memorable season

By Stuart Dunn, @studunn21, at The Shrewsbury Chronicle

SHREWSBURY’S brilliant season ended on a suitably positive note as they became Birmingham League record breakers before lifting the Graham Williamson Trophy yet again.

Rob Foster’s runaway champions saw off Wombourne by five wickets in their final premier division encounter to end the season with a new top flight record high of 378 points.

Then, just for good measure, Shrewsbury saw off Barnt Green by 32 runs in a rain-affected Graham Williamson Trophy final at London Road on Sunday to win the competition for the fourth successive year.

Shrewsbury ultimately finished a mighty 91 points clear at the top of the premier division after ending their season of dominance with another win, their 14th outright victory from 22 league games.

“Breaking the points record was a nice motivation to have going into the last game,” admitted Foster. “It’s been a fantastic season and we’ve ended up playing 43 games in all competitions.

“It’s been a long season but it’s been well worthwhile.”

Relegated Wombourne were their final league victims, not that Shrewsbury had it all their own way before running out five-wicket winners.

Sam Griffiths, the former Shelton paceman now a key part of Shrewsbury’s bowling attack, helped himself to 4-15 as Wombourne were removed for 116 inside 35 overs.

There was also some joy with the ball for spinners Elliot Green (2-21) and Alex Blofield (2-49).

Shrewsbury, in reply, were soon in trouble at 44-5 and an upset looked on the cards.

But then skipper Foster (40no) joined forces with 14-year-old first team debutant George Hargrave (32no) to put on an unbroken stand of 72 for the sixth wicket as Shrewsbury advanced to 118-5.

“Wombourne bowled very well with the new ball and got some good genuine wickets,” said Foster. “But fortunately myself and young George Hargrave, a late call up to replace Tom Cox, managed to then put a partnership together.

“George batted fantastically well and showed real maturity for a 14-year-old making his debut for the first team.

“He’s quite a small lad but he’s a good player, very keen cricketer and is already part of the Warwickshire Academy. He did really well.”

Shrewsbury then dug deep into their selection reserves 24 hours later with a host of regulars unavailable for the Williamson Trophy final against Barnt Green.

Shrewsbury totalled 155-3 from their reduced allocation of 20 overs before Barnt Green, eventually set a revised victory target of 186 in 18 overs, pulled up short on 154-8.

Will Parton (47), Joe Leach (44) and the big hitting Matt Gregson (35no) put bat to ball effectively for Shrewsbury who were flying at 70-0 off 10 overs before a rain delay restricted their innings to 20 overs.

Duckworth Lewis calculations initially set Barnt Green a 20 over target of 208 but more rain cut that to 187 from 18 and they ended up 32 runs short, Griffiths completing a good weekend by taking a couple more wickets.

“It’s the fourth year in a row we’ve won this competition and we’re proud to have kept the run going,” added Foster.

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury’s Worcestershire all-rounder Joe Leach achieved two notable milestones for the London Road club against Wombourne.

Leach took his 100th Birmingham League wicket for the club at 18 apiece and also passed 2,000 league runs. He averages just over 30 with the bat in the premier division.

Steve Leach

Leach ton can’t save Shrewsbury from defeat

By Stuart Dunn, @studunn21, at The Shrewsbury Chronicle

STEVE LEACH once more underlined his potential to be a professional cricketer by hitting his third century of the season, but it was not enough to save Birmingham League premier division champions Shrewsbury from sliding to a rare defeat.

Promising opener Leach, 19, who asked to be released from his Worcestershire contract earlier this season, was at his brilliant best once again as he broke through the 800 run barrier in the Birmingham League this year with another polished knock.

But hosts West Bromwich Dartmouth chased well to seal a six-wicket win at Sandwell Park, reaching their target with eight balls to spare.

It was only a third league defeat of the season for Shrewsbury who are 74 points clear at the top of the table ahead of Saturday’s final match of the campaign at home to relegated Wombourne.

One more victory will see Shrewsbury set a new record points total for any team in a premier division season.

Skipper Rob Foster was disappointed with the result but delighted with the efforts of Leach who recently struck a century in a trial game for Warwickshire’s 2nd XI.

“Steve was outstanding again,” said Foster. “He’s playing really well and his hundred was even more impressive given it was a tough wicket.

“He’s done fantastically well for us this season, scoring more than 800 league runs, and there surely has to be a few first class counties taking note of that.”

Batting first, Shrewsbury were struggling at 82-5 until Leach and skipper Foster joined forces to put on 114 for the sixth wicket.

Leach led the way with an excellent 113 to take his tally of league runs for the season to 819.

And he was well supported by Foster, at No 7, who hit an unbeaten 54 as Shrewsbury posted 211-8 from their 50 overs.

West Bromwich, in reply, were also well served by a three figure partnership with regular Warwickshire first teamer Ateeq Javed, in good touch for 77, and Zeeshan Arif (47no) laying the foundations for the hosts to advance to 214-4.

Mike Barnard grabbed 2-46 but this time Shrewsbury were unable to come out on top.

“It was disappointing to lose as we don’t like losing any game,” stressed skipper Foster. “It’s been a long season and, for us, it did have a very end of season feel to it.

“We might have lost the game but there was also still a very good chance to could have won it.

“They always had a few wickets in hand but it was closer than the result might suggest.

“Their overseas player hit a few sixes towards the end and Ateeq Javed played well, but he’s a guy who’s just recently scored a first class hundred.

“We had Joe Leach back playing for us so again it shows the standard of cricket we’re playing at, a Warwickshire player up against a Worcestershire player.”

Shrewsbury now want to sign off their successful season in style at the expense of Wombourne on Saturday before hosting Barnt Green in the final of the Graham Williamson Trophy 24 hours later.