Cricketer Cup First Round Preview

The first round of the Nicholson Cricketer Cup will be played this Sunday, sixteen matches in all at venues ranging across the country from Ampleforth to Monmouth, from Brighton to Rugby. The holders of the cup, Old Malvernians have what should be a straightforward home tie against Sherborne Pilgrims, with Alex Milton keeping wicket, having been voted in to both the All Time 1st XI Hall of Fame and the 2010-19 decade team. 2023 runners-up Old Tonbridgians host Old Wykehamists, the latter showing signs of a return to the glory days of the 1970s and 1980as when they won the cup three times.

Other fancied sides include Old Millfieldians who will have to battle through four away ties if they are to get to the final at Arundel on 11 August, beginning their campaign at Rugby. Shrewsbury Saracens have a long journey to Charterhouse, and there is a West country derby at Cheltenham where the home team take on Old Cliftonians. The two newly promoted sides both have home ties and a chance to progress, although Old Monmothians have the harder task against Bradfield Waifs, winners in 2022, with Old Hamptonians hosting Felsted Robins.

So much depends on whether clubs can get out their strongest sides, with competition from Minor County cricket and other club competitions. The weather forecast looks promising so we look forward to some keenly contested games and plenty of supporters watching.