Packwood share top billing with Moreton

Both sides made their way through their respective district qualifying rounds to then maintain a 100 per cent record.

It came in the strongly contested county finals at Telford College of Arts & Technology's Sports Dome.

This year's competition boasted a record 18 schools (20 teams) at under-13s and 17 schools (18 teams) at under-15s, with secondary schools across the length and breadth of Shropshire taking part.

In the under-13s event, Packwood were victors by the smallest of margins in their qualifying games, beating both Newport Girls High School and Mary Webb by just one run.

Bridgnorth Endowed enjoyed two comfortable victories against Charlton and Church Stretton in their group games.

In the final, Packwood ran confidently between the wickets and their long batting line-up helped them reach 85-5 from their eight overs with Georgie Nicholas top scoring with 19 not out.

Bridgnorth Endowed's hopes were thwarted immediately in their reply with a remarkable opening over from Alice Hughes, who took four wickets from the first four balls.

A brave last batter standing effort from Monica White, who scored 18, was not enough for her team as they finished on 37 all out.

In the under-15 event, an incredibly high standard of cricket was played throughout and all six sides could have, on any other year, stood a real chance of winning the title.

This was shown through a number of very tight games.

Moreton Hall and Shrewsbury School faced off in game one, with Moreton Hall confidently striding to a total of 97-6 thanks to Milly Home's unbeaten 33.

Moreton Hall took important early wickets, but having been 22-4 at one stage Shrewsbury valiantly fought their way back to finish on 84-7.

Moreton Hall then claimed a second victory, against Idsall, to confirm their place in the finals.

After round one of games in the other pool, both Thomas Telford and Bridgnorth Endowed had one win, and then proceeded to compete in the game of the day for a place in the final.

Batting first, Bridgnorth Endowed scored 87-6 with Beth Charnell powering her way to 24 not out.

Thomas Telford were left struggling at 61-7 in reply, but a mature innings of 20 not out from Lydia Simkiss saw her team over the line on the last ball.

The final showdown was dominated by the bat, with Moreton Hall choosing to bat first.

They proceeded to dominate Thomas Telford's bowling attack – making a record score of 145-5 with contributions all the way through the order.

Thomas Telford found themselves in trouble at 18-4 in reply, but Kiah Patel's knock of 30 gave a glimmer of hope, until she was last out with the score on 65.

Both Packwood Haugh and Moreton Hall will now go on to represent Shropshire in the Midlands regional finals, which take place at Fenton Manor, Stoke-on-Trent, on April 18 and 21 respectively.