At just 14, Ethan Shedbal achieves two centuries in consecutive matches, making history.
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In an extraordinary display of talent, 14-year-old Ethan Shedbal from Aberdeenshire has made headlines by scoring two centuries in consecutive matches, a feat that may place him in the record books as one of the youngest players to achieve this in the history of the North East Grades.
This remarkable achievement unfolded over the weekend, marking a significant milestone in Shedbal’s burgeoning cricket career.
A breakthrough weekend for a budding cricketer
After a couple of years of anticipation, Shedbal finally broke through with his first century in adult cricket, scoring an impressive 102 runs against Aberdeen Grammar in a Grade One fixture.
The very next day, he followed up with another stellar performance, amassing 110 runs for 3rd Mannofield in a Grade Four match against Ceylon Deeside. These back-to-back centuries not only highlight his skill but also underscore his potential as a future star in the sport.
Support and development in the cricketing community
Shedbal’s journey in cricket began at the tender age of nine with soft ball cricket, transitioning to hard ball a year later. His rapid development can be attributed to the guidance and support he has received from key figures in the Aberdeenshire cricket community. He expressed gratitude towards Phil Wood, the Aberdeenshire junior convener, Rahul Chandu, the Mannofield captain, and Tony McKenna, a regional development officer for Cricket Scotland, for their invaluable mentorship. Shedbal noted, “Four years ago I couldn’t hold a bat properly, but they’ve pushed me on and helped me develop my game so much.”
Looking ahead: aspirations for the future
With his recent successes, Shedbal has set his sights high for the future. He hopes to represent Scotland Under-15s within the next year and aims to play a pivotal role in his team’s success at Aberdeenshire. His determination to improve and contribute to his team’s victories is evident as he continues to hone his skills. “Those things are driving me to try to keep improving my skills,” he stated, reflecting on his aspirations.
As Shedbal continues to make waves in the cricketing world, his story serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. His achievements at such a young age not only showcase his talent but also highlight the importance of support and mentorship in sports development. With a promising future ahead, Ethan Shedbal is certainly a name to watch in the realm of cricket.
