2018 Cricketer Cup - Quarter Final
On another very hot day, two recent winners of the Cricketer Cup came through to the semi-finals, but Old Wellingtonians, the holders, were eliminated by Old Bedfordians in the highest scoring match. Bedford won the toss at Wellington, batted first and made 255-7 off their 50 overs, their middle order contributing the bulk of the runs. Last round centurion Shiv Patel made 58 and Charlie Thurston 47, but it was Christian Davis, coming in at number six on 138-4, who gave the innings real momentum with 74 not out off 63 balls. Wellington lost two early wickets but Ed Young made 59 and Will Leith 45. On the latter’s dismissal at 183-6 there was just too much for the tail to do and they finished on 243-9 to lose by 12 runs. Paddy McDuell took 3-48 and there were two wickets each for Ed Wharton, Harry Aitkenhead and Vikram Sohal. Old Bedfordians, who only joined the competition in 2011 but already have two semi-finals to their credit, now go to Cranleigh.
Old Cranleighans, winners in 2014, had a comfortable win over Eton Ramblers. Eton won the toss and batted but could only make 214 in 44 overs, Will Vanderspar, their captain, top scoring with 97. Cranleigh sailed home by 8 wickets in 39 overs thanks to a second wicket partnership of 121 between Jack Scriven, out for 100, and Lewis Bedford 86 not out.
At Malvern, Old Malvernians, winners in 2015 and 2016, won the toss and batted against Oundle Rovers. Oundle bowled and fielded very well, executing three run- outs, and only Alex Milton with 78 could put together a major score in Malvern’s 234 all out. This was thought to be a little below par and Oundle went along very steadily, mainly thanks again to Greg Smith. With 10 overs to go Oundle needed 75 with 5 wickets in hand, but Wynn then bowled Smith for 75 and the target became increasingly difficult. Oundle were all out for 206 in the last over, leg spinner Aardash taking 3-34.
Malvern now play Uppingham Rovers who last appeared in the final in 1996 and who won a close low-scoring game at home to St Edward’s Martyrs. St Edwards won the toss, batted first and were all out for 155 in 38 overs. Will Bull with 32 not out was top scorer and there were three wickets each for Will Hodson and Will Rogers. In reply Uppingham took nearly 44 overs to win by two wickets. Rogers top scored with 44 to complete a good all-round match, and Chris Bennett-Baggs came in at 112-6 to make an invaluable 25 not out. AJ Woodland was the pick of the bowlers with 3-33 off 9.5 overs.
Semi Finals to be played on Sunday 29 July
Old Cranleighans v Old Bedfordians
Old Malvernians v Uppingham Rovers