In 1972 the two historically most successful Cricketer Cup teams met in the final for the first time. Old Tonbridgians and Old Malvernians had both won the trophy once - Malvern in 1968, Tonbridge in 1971. In the 1972 semi finals Tonbridge beat Charterhouse Friars, and Malvern beat Eton Ramblers. Malvern were without three key players in Jeff Tolchard, called up by Leicestershire for a John Player League match, David Bailey playing for Lancashire 2nd XI, and Ivan Johnson who was in the West Indies with England U19. Both sides did have current first class players in Trevor Tunnicliffe (Nottinghamshire) for Malvern, and Colin Cowdrey, who still had Test matches to play, for Tonbridge.

Tonbridge won the toss, batted and were indebted to a fine 90 by their opening bat Colin Smith. David Toft with 20 and Colin Cowdrey with 49 helped Smith to take the score to 157-1, the later batsmen finding it difficult to come in and force the pace. Peter Rylands made 30 not out but Tony Monteuuis suffered the ignominious fate of being dismissed for a duck by Bryan Richardson. Their final total of 220-9 in their 55 overs looked better than par.

Malvern made the worst possible start and were 9-3 and then 47-5, before succumbing for 106 all out in 44 overs. Richard Musson, the Tonbridge opening bowler, took 3-20 in 10 overs, well backed up by Simon Langdale with 2-13 off 6 and off-spinner Richard Gracey with 3-31 off 12. Bryan Richardson emulated his fellow Cricketer Cup Vice-President with a duck, and Trevor Tunnicliffe had to come in at number nine because of a finger injury sustained while fielding.

Tonbridge and Malvern have met in three subsequent finals after 1972 - in 1984, 2004 and 2006 - with Tonbridge ahead 3-1. The draw could allow them to meet again in the 2022 final when survivors of that 1972 match will hopefully be at Arundel to renew acquaintance and revive memories. Over half the Tonbridge side are no longer with us, but Malvern’s all survive, which suggests the air must be better out west.