Bridgnorth Under-15s claim county spoils
Skipper Jack Welch led by example as Bridgnorth were crowned county ECB-NatWest Under-15 champions.
Welch struck an unbeaten 42 to help his side to an impressive eight-wicket success against Whitchurch.
Hosts Whitchurch batted first and openers Sam Ellis (48) and captain Jack Groom put on 22 for before the latter was bowled by Welch.
Matt Batkin (12) and Ellis took the score past 50 before Batkin was caught and bowled by Joe Smallman.
The Bridgnorth bowlers then took control until the last over of the innings when three boundaries by Abbie Jones off Paddy Smallman took the total to a respectable 100-6 from 20 overs.
Morgan Penny was the most successful bowler, taking 2-15 off two overs, Bridgnorth started their response with a stand of 24 for the first wicket.
Joe Barclay (12) then joined Welch at the crease and they took the score to 54 before Barclay was dismissed by Jones.
That wicket brought Paddy Smallman (25 not out) to the crease and he and Welch guided the visitors to victory. Bridgnorth will now entertain Himley in the first regional round.
Shropshire Cricket Board competitions manager Steve Aston complimented both teams on their performances and the spirit in which the game was played while ex-England and Warwickshire bowler David Brown presented the medals.
