First Round Preview of the 2023 Nicholson Cricketer Cup

With the bye round now completed, it is time to look forward to the first round of the Nicholson Cricketer Cup on Sunday 11 June. The holders, Bradfield Waifs, have a potentially tricky home tie against Harrow Wanderers, especially if the latter is able to field its best side. The question of the availability of the best players is huge in terms of determining how far clubs can go in the competition. This is not just the issue of clashes with county or minor county matches, but weddings, stag parties and, for the Eton Ramblers in 2022, the Glastonbury Festival. The legendary Rambler ‘Buns’ Cartwright would be turning in his grave!

Old Millfieldians, who collapsed so dramatically in the 2022 final, will be keen to put that behind them. They have a home draw against Charterhouse Friars who, from being one of the more successful sides historically have found it hard to make much progress in the competition in recent years and have not reached a final since 2005.

There are some long journeys to test player resolve, such as Old Brightonians to Repton,Shrewsbury Saracens to Sherborne and Old Hurst Johnians to Malvern, where the home team will seek to put last year’s bye round loss behind them and embark on another long cup run.

Old Tonbridgians will also seek to forget last year’s first round exit to Lancing but have a tricky match-up with the fast Improving OMTs. 2022 semi-finalist Old Cheltonians and Old Wellingtonians will be hoping to go one better, Marlborough Blues being the visitors to Cheltenham while Wellington have a tricky journey to the south coast at Eastbourne.

We all hope for a fine weekend and some good cricket, as Nicholson Gin continue their generous sponsorship.