2019 Cricketer Cup - Round 1

Bad weather affected the first round of the 2019 Cricketer Cup. It was something of a miracle that so many games were completed, although several had to play fewer than 50 overs. Three games were rained off and will be played on 23 June – Old Cliftonians v Downside Wanderers, Old Malvernians v Old Millfieldians and Shrewsbury Saracens v Eton Ramblers. The second round will be on Sunday 30 June.


In the top quarter of the draw, Old Tonbridgians had a comfortable win over Haileybury Hermits in a shortened 40 over game. Fabian Cowdrey made 115 as Tonbridge won by 90 runs after scoring 252-7 in 40 overs. They will now play Old Amplefordians who beat Stowe Templars by 5 wickets, B. Fawcett making 61 for the winners and taking 2-0.


The holders, Old Cranleighans had a narrow win over Old Alleynians by 10 runs. Cranleigh were indebted to a powerful innings of 102 in 47 balls by Jack Scriven. Tom Eadon made 83 for Dulwich. They will now play Bradfield Waifs who had a comfortable 6 wicket win against Sherborne Pilgrims who made 148-9. Harry Came was Bradfield top-scorer with 77.


In the second quarter, Charterhouse Friars had an easy win over Old Hurst Johnians. Charterhouse made 261-2 in a 40 over match, Olly Batchelor 152 not out and James Hamblin 43 not out from only 23 balls. Hamblin then completed a good all-round day by taking 3-14 as Hurst succumbed to 92 all out.


Old Merchant Taylors beat Old Wykehamists at Northwood. Winchester made 233-8 in 50 overs, James Irvine-Fortescue top-scoring with 76. OMTs then won by 4 wickets with J. Regan 102 not out and A. Amin 61. They now play Old Bedfordians who crushed Old Eastbournians by 10 wickets. Eastbourne made 172 and an unbroken Bedford opening partnership between James Kettleborough 89 and Will Aitkenhead 50 won the game.


In the third quarter, Repton Pilgrims beat Marlborough Blues. P. Borrington with 106 and J. Morgan with 64 anchored Repton’s innings of 270-4, and Marlborough could only reply with 225, U. Qureshi 75 and J. Bell 4-47. They will play the winners of Old Cliftonians and Downside Wanderers. St. Edward’s Martyrs beat Old Cholmelians by 3 wickets, chasing 150 with Francois Vainker having the best bowling figures of the day, 5-34. St. Edward’s now await the winners of the clash of the big guns, Old Malvernians and Old Millfieldians.


In the bottom quarter Oundle Rovers 157-9 was too much for Old Cheltonians 123 in a rain-shortened game. Oundle now play Radley Rangers who beat Rugby Meteors by 2 wickets chasing 207-6. Jamie Dalrymple made 45 for the winners and Oliver Martyn-Hemphill 70. Uppingham Rovers comfortably beat Felsted Robins. Uppingham made 213-6, Shiv Thakor with 87 not out, and Felsted could only make 153. Uppingham now play Old Brightonians who caused the biggest upset of the day with a win at Wellington. Old Wellingtonians made 178, H. Shepherd making 63 and M. Edmonds 4-33, and Brighton came home by 2 wickets, F. Jordan 58.

(David Walsh)

Chris Hellings