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Ed Barnard

Ed Barnard hits form in season opener

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

Ed Barnard produced the form which has made him a regular in the England under-19 side as Birmingham League champions Shrewsbury opened the new season with an excellent Graham Williamson Trophy win at West Bromwich Dartmouth.

Barnard, 18, fell just two runs short of a richly deserved century as Shrewsbury, winners of this competition for the last four years, chased impressively to seal a five-wicket verdict with a ball to spare.

Shrewsbury’s reward is a second round tie at home to Knowle & Dorridge at London Road on Saturday.

Barnard looked just like a man who has played regularly over the winter, most notably in the United Arab Emirates where he was ever present for England in the ICC under-19 World Cup as they eventually beat Australia in the third-place play-off match.

Set 207 for victory in 40 overs, Barnard came in first wicket down after young opener George Hargrave fell early.

He proceeded to put on 130 for the second wicket with stand-in captain Tom Cox, deputising for the unavailable Rob Foster, as Shrewsbury set about their chase with relish.

Cox, promoted to opener as Ed Foster and Steve Leach were also unavailable, played well to make 68 from 89 balls, hitting a six and seven fours.

And he kept the scoreboard ticking over nicely with star turn Barnard who plundered 98 from 110 deliveries, a sparkling knock from the Worcestershire prospect which featured two sixes and eight boundaries.

Alex Blofield (17no) and Elliot Green then held their nerve to see the job through as Shrewsbury timed their chase to perfection.

Cox had earlier allowed West Bromwich Dartmouth to bat first and the hosts rattled up 206-4 from their 40 overs which was built around steady contributions from Brinder Phagura (58), Rawlston Tappin (55) and Ruki de Silva (44).

Spinner Blofield claimed 2-68 while there was also a wicket apiece for new signings Charlie Morris (1-30) and Dewi Jones (1-31) from tighter eight over spells.

Shrewsbury’s strength in depth really shone through as the Foster brothers and Steve Leach were joined on the unavailable list by Steve and Mike Barnard.

Meanwhile, Shrewsbury opener Ed Foster was in brilliant touch as he hit a fine century to help Shropshire claim victory by 35 runs over Staffordshire in last Sunday’s pre-season friendly at Shifnal.

Foster’s first knock of the season could not have gone much better as he made 118 from 137 balls, cracking 13 boundaries and a six.

Other contributions from his Shrewsbury team mates Joe Leach (46) and Rob Foster (29no) plus a quickfire, unbeaten 26 from skipper Richard Oliver down the order pushed the Shropshire total up to 274-6 from 50 overs.

Staffordshire were then restricted to 239-8 as Foster followed up his century by taking two wickets, as did Ben Sanderson and Jack Edwards.

Shropshire play their first competitive match of the season at Shrewsbury’s London Road ground on Sunday, May 4 when Lincolnshire provide the opposition in the first group game of the Unicorns Knockout Trophy.

Ed Barnard

Ed Barnard set for third-place play-off with England

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

SHREWSBURY cricketer Ed Barnard’s hopes of helping England reach their first ICC Under-19 World Cup final since 1998 were dashed earlier this week – but he has one more match to play before heading home.

Barnard, 18, has batted at No 5 for the young Lions in all five of their tournament matches in the United Arab Emirates.

The promising Shrewsbury CC all-rounder was in the England side edged out by three wickets with just five balls to spare in a thrilling semi-final against Pakistan in Dubai on Monday.

He and his team mates, who include Joe Clarke, another Shropshire lad, now have to lift themselves for Saturday’s third place play-off match against Australia before Barnard flies home to resume his studies at Shrewsbury School.

His dad Andy, a former Shrewsbury CC captain and chairman, was glued to the television watching the Pakistan match on Monday having just arrived home from Dubai where he and wife Helen enjoyed watching Ed play three matches.

They missed their youngest son’s best moment of the tournament when he hit 93 en route to scooping the man of the match award against hosts UAE.

But they were in the stands to offer their support in the group matches against Sri Lanka and New Zealand plus the nail-biting quarter-final victory over India last Saturday in which Barnard struck 24.

“We had an amazing week watching the England under-19s perform brilliantly in Dubai,” said Andy. “The wins over New Zealand and India were outstanding but did not receive much press credit in the UAE.”

Barnard scored 13 in the semi-final defeat against Pakistan and both he and his team mates will be hoping to end on a high note by now beating Australia to secure third place in the tournament this weekend.

Barnard, a popular figure with his team mates at Shrewsbury’s London Road, will hope his England under-19 experience can enhance his chances of breaking through to the first class game at Worcestershire where he is a highly rated young player.

Meanwhile, Birmingham League champions Shrewsbury are holding an open evening to promote their newly-formed fourth team which will play in the Shropshire County Cricket League this summer.

Held in the clubhouse at their London Road ground tomorrow night (Friday, 7.30pm), the evening is for prospective new members and current club members, serving as a chance to find out more about the team and how to get involved.

Senior net practice ahead of the start of the new season has begun last week and there are two other sessions planned at Shrewsbury’s School excellent indoor facility on forthcoming Mondays, March 10 and March 24.

Shrewsbury first team batsman Ed Foster said: “We are seeking new players and anyone interested in joining one of our four teams should come along.”

Shrewsbury are also seeking scorers and umpires to help out during the 2014 season. This could be for all or part of the season.

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Ed Barnard bats for England in the U19 cricket world cup

Barnard can make England impact says Foster

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

ED BARNARD, the rising Shrewsbury cricket star, has what it takes to make an exciting impact for England at the ICC Under-19 World Cup, says his proud club captain Rob Foster.

All-rounder Barnard, 18, is delighted to have been selected in the England squad for the prestigious tournament in the United Arab Emirates which begins tomorrow.

He is relishing the chance to line up alongside the best young cricketers from around the world.

Barnard will hope to feature in the England side for the opening group game against hosts UAE in Abu Dhabi tomorrow (Friday).

The young Lions then face further group matches in Dubai against Sri Lanka on Sunday and New Zealand next Tuesday.

Foster, who captains Barnard at Birmingham League champions Shrewsbury, said the teenager’s World Cup call was brilliant recognition both for the player and also the London Road club.

Barnard is a popular figure at Shrewsbury where his dad Andy is a former captain and chairman while his older brothers Mike and Steve are current first team regulars.

Foster said: “It’s an amazing opportunity for Ed to be playing in a World Cup and everyone at the club is really pleased for him.
“Jimmy Taylor has a long association with the club but had moved on to play his cricket for Kidderminster by the time he was involved with England under-19s.

“Ed’s grown up at Shrewsbury Cricket Club and it’s fantastic to see him doing so well. This is a great opportunity for him to line up against the best young players in the world.”

Foster stressed he expects Barnard to emerge as a key man for England in the tournament.

He added: “He’s very highly thought of in the England set up having captained the under-19s a couple of times in the Tri-Series against UAE and Pakistan just before Christmas.

“He’s seen as a senior player so I would expect him to play and hopefully he’ll go well.

“I’ll certainly be watching how he does with interest.”

Shrewsbury School pupil Barnard, who used to attend the town’s Meole Brace School,  flew out to Dubai with the England squad at the start of this month.

He is no stranger to the international scene having not looked back since hitting a century on his England under-19 debut against South Africa in Cape Town just over a year ago.

A back injury meant he was ruled out for 12 weeks of the last domestic season but he returned in time to play a couple of games for Shrewsbury in the closing weeks of the campaign.

He also proved his fitness to the England selectors by captaining the under-17s in two one-day internationals against Sri Lanka.
Barnard has been part of the England Development Programme for the last three years and recently signed a new two-year contract with Worcestershire CCC as he eyes a breakthrough to the first class game.

Ed barnard

Ed Barnard to make England U19 World Cup trip

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By Stuart Dunn at the Shrewsbury Chronicle

ED BARNARD, the Shrewsbury cricketer tipped for a bright future, is thrilled to have sealed a quick return trip to the United Arab Emirates after being named in the England squad for next month’s ICC Under-19 World Cup.

Shrewsbury School pupil Barnard, who used to attend the town’s Meole Brace School, recently represented England in a triangular tournament against hosts UAE and Pakistan.

The highly-rated 18-year-old then faced an anxious wait to find out if he had done enough to make the World Cup squad with the news he had so wanted to hear finally revealed this week by the ECB.

“I was really happy and relieved when I found out because they had an initial 30-man squad and then they cut it down,” said Barnard.

“I was fairly confident having been on the tour before Christmas so I was hoping but you never know. I had my fingers crossed.”

Barnard will link up with the England squad ahead of departing for Dubai on January 31.

Three practice matches have been arranged before the World Cup campaign gets under way with group matches against UAE, Sri Lanka and New Zealand on February 14, 16 and 18.

Barnard has experienced a whirlwind 12 months since hitting a century on his England under-19 debut against South Africa in Cape Town just a few weeks after turning 17.

A back injury meant he was ruled out for 12 weeks of the last domestic season but he returned in time to play a couple of games for Birmingham League champions Shrewsbury in the closing weeks of the campaign.

He also proved his fitness to the England selectors by captaining the under-17s in two one-day internationals against Sri Lanka.

Barnard has been part of the England Development Programme for the last three years and recently signed a new two-year contract with Worcestershire CCC as he eyes a breakthrough to the first class game.

Barnard will have some Shropshire company in the World Cup-bound England under-19 squad as Wellington batsman Joe Clarke, also under contract at Worcestershire, has also been selected.

Ed Barnard

Captain Barnard scores half century in England’s first match

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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.

Ed Barnard

Shrewsbury’s Ed Barnard selected for England under 19 tour

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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.

Ed Barnard

Foster happy to have Ed Barnard back

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By Stuart Dunn, @studunn21, at The Shrewsbury Chronicle

ENGLAND under-19 star Ed Barnard’s welcome return from injury has added to the feelgood factor sweeping Shrewsbury as they chase a new Birmingham Cricket League record for the most points recorded by a team in a premier division season..

Barnard, 17, enjoyed a pleasing comeback from a long-term injury absence by hitting an unbeaten 46 as champions Shrewsbury hammered Brockhampton last weekend.

With two games of the season remaining, Shrewsbury now sit a mighty 90 points clear at the top of the table.

And should they sign off with two more victories, at West Bromwich Dartmouth on Saturday and at home to relegated Wombourne the following weekend, they would break the record for the highest points total ever achieved by a top flight club in the history of the Birmingham League.

That’s currently held by Knowle & Dorridge who put 374 points on the board in winning the title in 2009.

Shrewsbury currently have 354 points although their tally has been enhanced by half the games this term being played in a win-lose format.

“We just want to win the last two and finish as well as we can,” said captain Rob Foster, who welcomes leg spinner Elliot Green back from injury in place of Dan Manders on Saturday.

Foster stressed he was delighted to have exciting teenage all-rounder Barnard available again following a season ravaged by injury owing to a stress fracture in his lower back.

His lay off came at a particularly unfortunate time for the Shrewsbury School pupil who had been hoping to consolidate his place in the England under-19 team following a successful winter tour to South Africa in which he scored a century on his Youth Test debut in Cape Town.

“Ed’s missed effectively the whole season and everyone was saying how good he looked against Brockhampton,” said Foster.
“That’s why he’s an England under-19 player as he looked superb and that’s really pleasing.

“It would be nice for Ed to show how good he is really in the last couple of games of the season and why we all think so highly of him.

“He played a lot of cricket over the winter and he trained and worked so hard.

“I would imagine it’s been very frustrating for Ed but it’s also probably been good to have a little bit of a step back.

“It’s made him realise just how much he loves playing the game and sometimes it’s not a bad thing to have a little step back.”

Foster added he was hopeful his older brother Ed, Shrewsbury’s consistent opener, could still push to hit 1,000 Birmingham League runs in a season for the first time.

He has currently plundered 857 league runs, his best ever summer, at an average of just over 46.

“By his standards, he’s not got a lot of runs the last two or three games,” said the skipper. “But he will be hoping for a big finish in the last two matches to see if he can push towards 1,000 league runs. That would be a great milestone for him.

“He’s been outstanding this year and has won us a lot of games with the bat.”

SHREWSBURY: E Foster, S Leach, E Barnard, T Cox, R Foster, A Parker, A Blofield, S Barnard, E Green, M Barnard, S Griffiths.