Worfield wonders claim the county crown

They came out on top after 700 boys and girls took part in the competition through regional rounds across the county which culminated in a finals day at Wellington Cricket Club.

The top 16 teams from the qualifiers took part on the day with games being played around the outfield on the Wellington ground.

In the final, Worfield batted first against Pontesbury Primary School and scored consistently throughout their eight overs to reach 264-3.

Their total was helped by the third over pair managing to hit 24. In reply, tight bowling by Worfield restricted Pontesbury to 213-7 to earn the Bridgnorth area side the county crown.

In the third place play-off, St Laurence Primary School from Ludlow overcame Much Wenlock Primary School by 44 runs. The Ludlow side hit an impressive 285-3 in their eight overs.

The first two overs of the Much Wenlock reply proved the difference as they lost four wickets, and with the loss of five runs for each wicket they found themselves on the back foot.

They did manage to reach 241-5 by the end of the innings, but it was not enough to deny Ludlow. The first semi-final had seen Pontesbury beat St Laurence by 33 runs.

After the Ludlow side had batted first and scored 239-3, Pontesbury hit an impressive 272-3, helped considerably by scoring 26 in the seventh over.

In the second semi-final, Worfield scored 42 runs in their last two overs to reach a very competitive 288-4. In reply, Much Wenlock were restricted to 220-6 to lose by 68 runs.

Competition organiser Jim Roberts said: "There was some excellent batting with a very high number of sixes scored. In one over, 40 runs were scored which must be close to a record for a county final."

Cricket Shropshire development officer Ian Gregory added: "Congratulations to all the teams who made it through to finals day, and well done to Worfield on winning the competition.

"It was a great sight to see so many games of cricket going on at the same time at Wellington and so many of the players enjoying themselves.

"Let's hope being involved encourages them to continue playing the game and getting involved when they move on to secondary school, or indeed join their local club.

"Thanks to all the teachers and coaches involved on the day, thanks to all the parents who came along to support.

"I also thank to Wellington for hosting the event and making everyone so welcome and to the 16 Young Leaders from the Charlton School in Wellington who took on all the scoring and umpiring duties"