Shropshire’s under-15 girls made a storming start to their season with two victories in their T20 campaign, scoring more than 340 runs in the process.

In their first game against Nottinghamshire, skipper Molly Batkin won the toss and decided to bat first.

Megan Trickett led the way, hitting 72 off 61 balls including eight boundaries and a six, while Harriet Shuker hit a rapid 29 off just 16 balls as Shropshire finished on 162-4 off their 20 overs.

In the field, an early run-out by Eleanor Yeats and then two wickets for Ellie Palmer reduced the Nottinghamshire girls to 20-3.

They eventually posted 118-5, with Batkin and Keely Jones also taking wickets, to give Shropshire victory by 44 runs.

In their second game of the day, Shropshire were put into bat by Derbyshire and put on an even more impressive performance to post 186-2.

Openers Trickett (21) and Eleanor Yates (46) set the foundations with an opening stand of 64 before wicketkeeper Ellie Micklewright launched an assault on the bowling which saw her smash 81 off 42 balls, including 12 boundaries and two sixes.

In their reply, Derbyshire were restricted to 104-6 with Shuker claiming 2-14 and Batkin and Trickett a wicket apiece to give Shropshire victory by 82 runs.

Coach Simon Gregory said: “An excellent batting display by the girls with 340-plus runs scored in two T20s showed quality striking and good signs for the season.”

Shropshire’s senior women’s team continued their improved form despite losing to on their travels when they played Staffordshire at Knypersley.

Batting first, the hosts finished on 206-7 from their 50 overs with Sammi Short claiming 3-42 and Batkin 2-34.

In reply, Robyn Matthews held the innings together with 65 while skipper Lara Jones hit 22, Courtney Cooper 27 and Rachel Chesters 20 as Shropshire finished just 13 runs short on 193-9.

Their game against Leicestershire and Rutland the previous day at Albrighton was brought to an abrupt halt by a thunderstorm which swept through Shropshire.

Batting first, the visitors had finished on 184-4 with Batkin, Jordi Matthews, Copper and Ashleigh Heath claiming wickets. But before Shropshire could start their reply, the storm arrived to curtail proceedings.

Shropshire’s under-14 boys restricted Warwickshire to 180-8 off their 50 overs in their clash at Ruby School with Archie Jones claiming 3-32. There were also three run-outs towards the end of the innings.

But they then struggled to get going with the bat, with opener Tom Saji’s 24 the top score as they were dismissed for 95.