Shrewsbury School U15 Boys Triumph in National Cricket Final​​​​

Shrewsbury School's U15 boys have been crowned national champions after securing a dramatic one-wicket victory over Merchant Taylors' School in the ESCA U15 One Day Cup Final at Oakham School.

The victory marks Shrewsbury's first triumph in the competition for 21 years and caps an outstanding season for the team, who were also crowned Shropshire T20 champions earlier this summer.

It proved to be a thrilling game from the start. Having lost the toss, Shrewsbury's bowlers were put under early pressure by the opposition batsmen, with the opening batsman enjoying a flat pitch and lightning quick outfield as they raced to 57 without loss in the first ten overs. Three quickfire wickets slowed the scoring rate as the Salopians gained a foothold in the game thanks to economical spells from Pembleton (1-30), Jenkins (1-28) and Kundu (2-40). Exceptional fielding helped the bowlers limit a side containing several Middlesex players to 201 from their 40 overs.

Shrewsbury's reply saw key wickets fall early, with the scoreboard reading 2-31 after 6 overs. Athwal (41) and Howarth (71) then combined to take the score to 89 before Athwal fell, but Howarth found capable partners in Swallow and Adams as the total reached 180-4 with 6 overs left and 22 required for victory. 

The last runs proved to be the hardest to score. 180-4 became 200-9, with Shrewsbury needing 2 runs from the final four balls with a single wicket in hand. Dowland defended his first ball before lifting his second over mid-on, and along with non-striker Haswell they scampered the 2 runs required as the balcony and visiting supporters erupted simultaneously. 

Shrewsbury's Director of Cricket, Will Hughes, said:

"The team has been a pleasure for Shrewsbury coaches Greg Smith and Sam Whitney to work with. They have shown tremendous commitment, resilience and a real desire to improve throughout a campaign that has stretched over 15 months. We're fortunate at Shrewsbury to offer exceptional opportunities for young cricketers, and the boys have made the very most of them. To finish the season as both Shropshire T20 and national champions is a fantastic achievement, and one they should be incredibly proud of."

Cricket Professional at Shrewsbury School, Adam Shantry, said:

"When the pressure was at its greatest, the boys stayed calm, trusted one another and found a way to get over the line. That resilience and collective belief have defined this team throughout their cup run, and this victory will live long in the memory of everyone fortunate enough to enjoy it. An outstanding example of Cricket played the Salopian way."