Graham Williamson Trophy 2014

Shrewsbury claim fifth straight Graham Williamson Trophy

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Proud skipper Rob Foster saluted his knockout kings after Shrewsbury lifted the Birmingham League’s Graham Williamson KO Trophy for an unprecedented fifth successive year.

The London Roaders have monopolised the competition in recent times and underlined their determination to retain the trophy by rattling up a big score en route to overwhelming Walmley by 113 runs in Sunday’s final.

It crowned a productive weekend as, helped by an excellent century from Tom Cox, Shrewsbury beat Walsall by 24 runs in the Birmingham League on Saturday, a result which saw the visitors relegated from the premier division.

“It’s pretty special to have won the Trophy five years in a row,” said Foster. “It’s really pleasing and a great effort.”

Shrewsbury, stuck in for Sunday’s final, needed no second invitation to pile on the runs as they raced to 292 all out inside 38 swashbuckling overs.

Openers Steve Leach (72) and Ed Foster (49) laid solid foundations by putting on 123 for the first wicket before England under-19 star Ed Barnard weighed in with 42.

Alex Blofield, whose appearances have been limited this season, then provided plenty of fireworks by cracking an unbeaten 68 from just 28 balls, hitting five sixes and seven boundaries in the process.

Walmley, in reply, were eventually dismissed for 179, with Australian Patrick Butler (4-25), Elliot Green (3-49) and Sam Griffiths (2-28) among the wickets.

Shrewsbury, who will wrap up their league season at Walmley on Saturday, had maintained their strong form over the second half of the campaign by sending Walsall down 24 hours earlier.

Cox, at No 5, played beautifully to compile an unbeaten 120 from 129 balls, his first century of the season. The Shropshire right hander narrowly missed out on a ton a fortnight earlier when he perished for 94 against Kidderminster, but this time he was not to be denied, hitting five sixes and 15 fours.

Skipper Foster (35) and Glamorgan’s Dewi Jones (22) were next best as Shrewsbury posted 267-9, with David Powles (3-49) and Josh Bowker (3-64) the pick of the Walsall attack.

Powles (70) and Worcestershire wicketkeeper Ben Cox (61) did their best to spark a successful chase but Walsall pulled up short as they closed on 243-7, Mike Barnard taking 2-33.

“Walsall came and played well so it was a good game of cricket,” added Foster. “The way Tom Cox batted was comfortably the best I’ve ever seen him play. He was very positive and played some great shots.”

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury II boasted two centurions in their game at Wolverhampton II, but it was still not enough to save them from a 118 run defeat, a result which sentenced them to relegation from the Birmingham League’s premier reserve division.

Will Parton struck 104 and Aussie teenager Butler ended unbeaten on 102 – his second century of the week after reaching three figures against an overseas touring side a few days earlier – as Shrewsbury closed on 240-3.

Wolverhampton earlier had two centurions of their own as they rattled up a formidable 358-5.

Shrewsbury’s second string end their season at Walmley II on Saturday.

In-form Tom Cox and Mike Barnard miss season finale

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Tom Cox, fresh from hitting his first century of the season last weekend, and paceman Mike Barnard are both unavailable for Shrewsbury’s final match of their Birmingham Cricket League premier division season at Walmley on Saturday.

Cox cracked a glorious, unbeaten 120 in last Saturday’s home win over Walsall which condemned the visitors to relegation.

It was part one of a highly successful weekend for the London Roaders as they swiftly followed it up with a 113 run beating of Walmey, this Saturday’s hosts, to lift the Graham Williamson Trophy for a fifth successive year.

Now skipper Rob Foster wants his in-form side, who have climbed to fourth in the table, to sign off a season which has improved the longer it went on with one final flourish.

“I think we could fall to sixth if we lose so it would be nice to finish on a high by picking up another good result,” said Foster. “It would be great to keep the winning run going and we’ve been playing well recently.”

Shrewsbury all-rounder Joe Leach, who has enjoyed such a promising season with Worcestershire, played a starring role with the bat for the Pears in the first innings of their crunch clash with Surrey this week.

Leach, who played for Shrewsbury last Saturday, top scored with 70 for Worcestershire as they chase victory to make their County Championship second division promotion dreams come true in their penultimate game of the season.

Shrewsbury’s second team, meanwhile, were relegated from the Birmingham League’s premier reserve division following defeat at Wolverhampton II last weekend despite centuries from Will Parton and Australian youngster Patrick Butler.

End of season celebration 2014

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Join us at London Road on Friday 17th October to celebrate the end of the 2014 cricket season.With food, entertainment and award presentations and the event taking place at the club for the first time, book your place for just £13.00 per head.

With numbers restricted to just 75 people, use the ‘buy now’ button below to book and confirm your place.

Start: 17 October 2014 7:00 pm
Venue: Shrewsbury Cricket Club


Joe Leach

Steve Leach returns at Shrewsbury host Walsall

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Skipper Rob Foster insists Walsall can expect no favours from in-form Shrewsbury in their desperate battle to avoid relegation from the Birmingham Cricket League’s premier division.

Walsall, despite having Pakistan international all-rounder Umar Amin in their side, head to London Road for the penultimate game of the season on Saturday 32 points adrift of safety. Anything less than an away win will see them relegated.

“I wouldn’t expect any favours if we were in their position and you owe it to the other teams around them to play properly and put in a good performance,” said Foster, whose confident side are now fourth in the table following last weekend’s win at Knowle & Dorridge.

“Walsall are a big club, a proud club, with a big history, so I’m sure they’re not going to come here and be any pushovers. Along with West Brom, they’re probably won the league the most.”

Foster is just pleased his side are involved in such a meaningful game rather than an end of season clash with nothing riding on the outcome.

“There’s nothing worse than playing for nothing,” he stressed. “The last two or three games of the season can be quite painful in terms of motivation and will to play, but with them wanting to stay up it does give us something to play for which is good.”

Shrewsbury will be boosted by the return of Steve Leach, the opening batsman, and will pick from a squad of 12.

Shrewsbury also have the chance to pick up some silverware this weekend when they host Walmley in the Graham Williamson Trophy final on Sunday (12.30pm).

The London Roaders have dominated the 40 over competition for Birmingham League clubs having won it four years in a row.

“Walmley have done well this year and had a good run in the National KO,” added Foster, whose dad John held a highly successful President’s Day Festival at London Road last weekend. “We’ve won it the last four years so to win it five times would be quite a special achievement.”

SHREWSBURY (v Walsall), from: E Foster, S Leach, A Blofield, T Cox, E Barnard, R Foster, W Parton, P Butler, D Jones, M Barnard, E Green, S Griffiths.

Two Eds are better than one in K&D victory

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Ed Barnard, Shrewsbury’s England under-19 all-rounder, grabbed four wickets on his first bowling appearance of the season to lift the London Roaders into the top four in the Birmingham Cricket League’s premier division.

Barnard had been unable to bowl for Shrewsbury in his earlier outings for the club this term following back and side injuries, playing as a top order batsman.

But, having recently got among the wickets for England’s under-19s against South Africa, both in Youth Tests and then the one-day series, Shrewsbury skipper Rob Foster was pleased to be able to throw him the ball during last weekend’s 40 run victory at Knowle & Dorridge.

Barnard responded by taking 4-28 from 7.1 overs as the home team were bowled out for 162 to hand Shrewsbury the points they needed to be mathematically safe from being dragged into any danger at the wrong end of the table – not that that was too big a concern given their impressive second half of the season revival.

“Ed had a stress fracture last year which unfortunately ruled him out of any cricket and from bowling,” said Foster. “That carried a bit into this year and in the few games he did play for us earlier in the season he had a side strain or something along those lines and hadn’t been able to bowl.

“But he showed his class last weekend, his quality, which was good to see.”

Barnard, also looking to impress at first class county Worcestershire in the closing weeks of the season, was well backed up with the ball by former Shelton man Sam Griffiths (3-27) and spinner Elliot Green (2-30) as the K&D reply fell away despite contributions from Jack Grundy (40) and Dom Harding (37).

Shrewsbury earlier posted 202 all out with opener Ed Foster once again laying solid foundations, hitting eight fours on his way to top scoring with 80 from 104 balls.

Alex Blofield, promoted to open in the absence of Steve Leach, added 26 and Tom Cox made 25 before Mike Barnard also chipped in down the order with 22 as home duo Michael Bevan and Tom Smith both took three wickets.

“It was a strange sort of batting performance from us,” added skipper Foster. “We were 120-1 after 25 overs which we were really pleased with and we were indebted to Ed and the way he played, so to then collapse to just over 200 all out I thought we might have been a bit light.

“But the way we bowled, led by Ed Barnard, was superb really. We bowled and fielded really well and took our chances. I don’t think we dropped anything which makes a change.

“It was pleasing and it was only the second time I’ve been on the winning side at Knowle & Dorridge. They’re a good side, especially at home, so it was really pleasing to get a win there.”

Shrewsbury will hope to sign off their home programme with another victory against relegation-threatened Walsall on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury II have it all to do scramble clear of the bottom two in the premier reserve division following an eight-wicket defeat in a rain-interrupted match at home to leaders Knowle & Dorridge II.

Jon Anders’s side, 27 points adrift of safety with just two games to play, matched the club’s first team run for run in being bowled out for 202 before the visitors just about reached their revised victory target of 156-2.

Anders, an opening batsman, was in excellent touch for 92 and Dan Manders made 25 before K&D were set a target of 154 in 33 overs which they just about managed after being pushed all the way.

Shrewsbury’s second string head to Wolverhampton II, Anders’s former club, on Saturday knowing only a win will be enough to take their fight for survival to the last day of the season.

Ed Barnard bats for England in the U19 cricket world cup

Bowlers lead Shrewsbury to Knowle and Dorridge victory

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Ed Barnard, Shrewsbury’s England under-19 all-rounder, grabbed four wickets on his first bowling appearance of the season to lift the London Roaders into the top four in the Birmingham Cricket League’s premier division.

Barnard had been unable to bowl for Shrewsbury in his earlier outings for the club this term following back and side injuries, playing as a top order batsman.

But, having recently got among the wickets for England’s under-19s against South Africa, both in Youth Tests and then the one-day series,

Shrewsbury skipper Rob Foster was pleased to be able to throw him the ball during last weekend’s 40 run victory at Knowle & Dorridge.

Barnard responded by taking 4-28 from 7.1 overs as the home team were bowled out for 162 to hand Shrewsbury the points they needed to be mathematically safe from being dragged into any danger at the wrong end of the table – not that that was too big a concern given their impressive second half of the season revival.

“Ed had a stress fracture last year which unfortunately ruled him out of any cricket and from bowling,” said Foster. “That carried a bit into this year and in the few games he did play for us earlier in the season he had a side strain or something along those lines and hadn’t been able to bowl.

“But he showed his class last weekend, his quality, which was good to see.”

Barnard, also looking to impress at first class county Worcestershire in the closing weeks of the season, was well backed up with the ball by former Shelton man Sam Griffiths (3-27) and spinner Elliot Green (2-30) as the K&D reply fell away despite contributions from Jack Grundy (40) and Dom Harding (37).

Shrewsbury earlier posted 202 all out with opener Ed Foster once again laying solid foundations, hitting eight fours on his way to top scoring with 80 from 104 balls.

Alex Blofield, promoted to open in the absence of Steve Leach, added 26 and Tom Cox made 25 before Mike Barnard also chipped in down the order with 22 as home duo Michael Bevan and Tom Smith both took three wickets.

“It was a strange sort of batting performance from us,” added skipper Foster. “We were 120-1 after 25 overs which we were really pleased with and we were indebted to Ed and the way he played, so to then collapse to just over 200 all out I thought we might have been a bit light.

“But the way we bowled, led by Ed Barnard, was superb really. We bowled and fielded really well and took our chances. I don’t think we dropped anything which makes a change.

“It was pleasing and it was only the second time I’ve been on the winning side at Knowle & Dorridge. They’re a good side, especially at home, so it was really pleasing to get a win there.”

Shrewsbury will hope to sign off their home programme with another victory against relegation-threatened Walsall on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury II have it all to do scramble clear of the bottom two in the premier reserve division following an eight-wicket defeat in a rain-interrupted match at home to leaders Knowle & Dorridge II.

Jon Anders’s side, 27 points adrift of safety with just two games to play, matched the club’s first team run for run in being bowled out for 202 before the visitors just about reached their revised victory target of 156-2.

Anders, an opening batsman, was in excellent touch for 92 and Dan Manders made 25 before K&D were set a target of 154 in 33 overs which they just about managed after being pushed all the way.

Shrewsbury’s second string head to Wolverhampton II, Anders’s former club, on Saturday knowing only a win will be enough to take their fight for survival to the last day of the season.

Ed barnard

Safety still priority as Ed Barnard returns

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Shrewsbury captain Rob Foster wants his side to make mathematically certain of their place in next season’s Birmingham Cricket League premier division with victory at Knowle & Dorridge on Saturday.

While Shrewsbury sit sixth in the table and in no immediate danger of being dragged into a fight for survival, Foster’s main aim for several weeks now has been putting enough points on the board to be definitely safe.

Last weekend’s home win over Kidderminster, with Tom Cox cracking a fine 94, was followed by a wash out at title hopefuls Barnt Green on Monday so Shrewsbury sit 51 points clear of the bottom two with just three games to play.

Now Foster wants his team to maintain their improved form in the second half of the season against a side which beat them comfortably at London Road by 118 runs in June.

“Another win will confirm it,” said Foster. “We’ve definitely played a lot better in the second half, but it’s been a strange sort of season with the weather and there’s not really been any continuity.

“We owe Knowle & Dorridge one as they stuffed us out of sight by more than 100 runs at home earlier in the season.”

Shrewsbury will be without unavailable opening batsman Steve Leach while his brother Joe, who made a welcome return to club duty last weekend, is expected to be ruled out by Worcestershire commitments as the Pears begin a four-day Championship game at Derbyshire on Sunday.

But on a brighter note, England under-19 all-rounder Ed Barnard, fresh from playing in the one-day series against South Africa, is set to feature.

Meanwhile, it’s President’s Day at London Road on Sunday with John Foster, the Shrewsbury president, looking forward to welcoming a host of familiar faces.

Invited guests will include the club’s two National Club Championship winning teams together with other former players, sponsors and honorary members.

“I hope it will be a sunny day for us all to enjoy,” said the president. “The day will form a cricket festival and a hog roast so the festival will give players a chance to enjoy themselves in the company of as as many members and friends of the club as possible.”

Two Twenty20 matches will be played, the first at noon involving senior Shropshire cricketers, and, after afternoon tea, there will be a match involving current Shrewsbury players and some guests.

The hog roast will take place at 5.30pm with the day concluding with the presentations of man of the match awards at 6.30pm.
Shrewsbury (v Knowle & Dorridge): E Foster, T Cox, E Barnard, R Foster, A Blofield, P Butler, S Barnard, D Jones, E Green, M Barnard, S Griffiths.

Impressive Cox lays platform for Shrewsbury win

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Rob Foster, the Shrewsbury skipper, was delighted to see Tom Cox recapture his best form as the London Roaders moved to the brink of Birmingham League premier division safety with victory over Kidderminster.

Shrewsbury, washed out at title hopefuls Barnt Green on Monday, now know victory at Knowle & Dorridge on Saturday will make them mathematically safe as they sit 51 points clear of the bottom two with three games to play.

Cox was the star of the show as Kidderminster were beaten by 11 runs in a well contested clash at London Road last Saturday.

Batting at No 3, Cox just fell short of a richly deserved century, dismissed for 94 from 122 balls, a fine knock featuring a six and nine fours, as he lifted the Shrewsbury score up to 187 all out.

No other Shrewsbury player made it past 20 as Cox, eighth man out, held the innings together.

“Tom Cox was outstanding,” said skipper Foster. “It was as good a knock I’ve seen him play for a long time and he helped us put a score on the board as we didn’t bat well as a team.

“By his standards, he’s perhaps not got the runs he would have wanted this season, so it was pleasing to see him play so well.”

A rain interruption meant Kidderminster were set a revised victory target of 176 in 42 overs, but they fell short, dismissed for 164 with eight balls remaining.

Opener Richard Kimberlin top scored with 44 but Worcestershire’s Matt Pardoe, who has lost his place at the top of the New Road club’s batting order to former Shropshire skipper Richard Oliver, managed just 13 before being caught by Steve Leach off the bowling of Mike Barnard.

Shrewsbury were pleased to welcome back a Worcestershire player of their own in Joe Leach, but he took a back seat as the lion’s share of the wickets were shared between Dewi Jones (3-26), Sam Griffiths (3-28) and Elliot Green (3-37).

“It was good to get a win,” added Foster. “All the bowlers did really well and we also took some good catches.”

Meanwhile, improving Shrewsbury II host leaders Knowle & Dorridge II in the Birmingham League’s premier reserve division on Saturday chasing a great escape from relegation.

Shrewsbury’s second string hauled themselves off the bottom of the table with an impressive five run victory at Moseley II last Saturday but were then washed out at home to Barnt Green II on Monday.

Shrewsbury’s total of 208-9 just proved to be enough as Moseley were removed for 203.

George Panayi was the top performer for Shrewsbury, taking five wickets after earlier hitting 57, while the London Roaders were also well served with the bat by Henry Blofield, in good touch for 59, and Toby Jones (26).

It was a second successive victory for Shrewsbury after beating Attock a week earlier and they are 16 points adrift of safety with three games to play.

“We’ve given ourselves a bit of a chance,” said captain Jon Anders. “We’ve still got three of the top four to play in Knowle & Dorridge, Wolverhampton and Walmley.

Shrewsbury are without both Panayi and Blofield this weekend.

Shrewsbury Cricket Club

President’s Day cricket festival teams announced

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This Sunday sees Shrewsbury CC players, members, sponsors, Vice President’s, friends and guests descend on the club for an afternoon of cricket and family fun – President’s Day 2014.

The teams have now been announced for the popular inter-club match which is set to kick off around 3pm, following the Shropshire Seniors Twenty20 match.

2011 XI
Rob Foster (c), Anthony Parker, Patrick Butler, Will Parton, Dan Manders, Greg Wassell (w), Toby Jones, Steven Carless, Jack Garmson, Spot, Michael Barnard, Sam Griffiths

1983 XI
Tom Cox (c), Ed Foster, Ed Barnard, Jonny Anders, George Hargrave (w), Alex Blofield, Edward Griggs, Stephen Pym, Steven Froggatt, Dewi Jones, Elliot Green, Will Sharpe

Programme for the day

  • 12 noon – Shropshire Seniors 20/20
  • 2.30pm – 3.30pm afternoon teas
  • 3.00pm – Shrewsbury CC 20/20
  • 5.30pm – Hog roast
  • 6.30pm – Presentation: Man of the Match awards, raffle
Joe Leach

In form Joe Leach set for Shrewsbury return

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Rob Foster, the Shrewsbury captain, insists Joe Leach richly deserves his new two-year contract with Worcestershire as he hopes to welcomes the all-rounder back into his side this weekend.

Leach was a key man for Shrewsbury when they won the Birmingham Cricket League’s premier division last season, but his development into becoming a Worcestershire regular in all forms of the game this year means little has been seen of him at London Road since the early weeks of the campaign.

Foster stressed any club would miss a player of Leach’s ability but said everyone connected with Shrewsbury were delighted to see the former Shrewsbury School pupil successfully carving out a career in the first-class game.

He also revealed that Leach may be available to make a welcome return for Shrewsbury in part one of their Bank Holiday double header at home to Kidderminster on Saturday. They will quickly follow it up with a trip to title contenders Barnt Green on Monday.

Foster said: “Joe’s potentially available for Saturday and it’s great to see how fatastically well he’s doing at Worcestershire.

“They have finally put their faith in him and he’s had to do it the hard way and put in the hard yards.

“Everyone at the club is really proud to see Joe doing so well and he’s made great strides in the first-class game.”

Leach has emerged as a key man for Worcestershire who top the second division of the County Championship.

While he has yet to add to his maiden first-class century, at Gloucestershire last season, Leach has chipped in with some useful runs down the order and taken 30 Championship wickets.

He also recently claimed the notable scalp of Surrey’s Kevin Pietersen as Worcestershire narrowly missed out on a place in Twenty20 finals day.

“He has possibly been our most-improved seamer and he’ll definitely get another hundred because he is good enough,” said Worcestershire’s director of cricket Steve Rhodes.

Leach has not looked back since earning a recall to the Worcestershire side in May, claiming career-best figures of 5-36 against Kent at Tunbridge Wells.

Meanwhile, Foster added steering Shrewsbury, who sit 38 points clear of the relegation zone, to premier division safety as quickly as possible remains his top priority.

“There’s 40 points to play for over the weekend so things can change quickly,” he said. “Kidderminster are pushing for survival like we are and then we go to Barnt Green who are pushing for the title.

“They are two tough games but if we can get a lot of points it could really put us out of any danger so that’s the aim.”

As well as the prospect of Leach returning, Shrewsbury will also be boosted by the availability of Alex and Henry Blofield.

Shrewsbury, from: E Foster, S Leach, R Foster, T Cox, G Hargrave, W Parton, P Butler, G Panayi, E Green, M Barnard, S Griffiths, J Leach, A Blofield, H Blofield.