Shrewsbury 1st XI Retain Coveted Silk Trophy

Shrewsbury's 1^st XI boys pulled off a string of sensational wins at Eton College to retain the coveted Silk Tropy following their triumph in 2025.

After being reduced to 117-8 on the first morning against an accurate Stowe attack, the lower order rallied with crucial contributions from Barard (56*), Briggs (37), and Van Cutsem (13).

Parton and Simmons then shared 6 wickets before Vaughan (4-35) dismantled the Stowe middle order, leaving Shrewsbury as 71-run winners.

Day 2 saw a strong Radford College Canberra spin attack restrict Shrewsbury to 96-4 from 32 overs, before 101* from Grindlay and 32* from Briggs lifted the Salopians to 198-5. Regular wickets fell in the tourist's reply as they were dismissed for 157,  with Vaughan once again leading the way with 3-32.

The final day brough a winner-takes-all clash, as hosts Eton stood between Shrewsbury and a second title in as many years. Although well-placed at drinks, the Salopian lower order collapsed from 181-5 to 199 all out, leaving the match on a knife-edge.

Opening bowlers Simmons and Van Cutsem bowled beautifully, taking 2 wickets each to leave the hosts 41-4, before Yahathugoda (2-20) and Hollinshead (1-18) produced miserly spells to help Shrewsbury emerge as victors by 31 runs.

Captain Hollinshead lifted the trophy shortly afterwards, with Shrewsbury looking to equal their own record of 3 consecutive Silk wins when Stowe host the competition in 2027.

Adam Shantry, Cricket Professional