First Round Review

There were runs galore in the first round of the Nicholson Cricketer Cup, with nine totals in excess of 300. Thunderstorms interrupted some games, with two decided on net run rate and one on DLS.

In the top quarter Bradfield Waifs, the holders, bowled out Harrow Wanderers for 153 (Oliver Smithson 5-31) and won comfortably by 5 wickets. They now play Stowe Templars who conceded 331-9 to Felsted Robins (A.Cox 102 and O.Hills 94) but prevailed on Duckworth Lewis calculation when on 134-2. Julian O’Riordan made 123 in Old Tonbridgians’ large total of 317-6, who then bowled out OMTs for 171. Tonbridge now meet Old Bedfordians who made the day’s second highest score of 361-7 and then bowled out Lancing Rovers for 123.

Old Millfieldians restricted Charterhouse Friars to 190 and won by 5 wickets, with Harry Ellison 58* and James Hildreth of Somerset 26*. Old Cheltonians won the best game of the round at Cheltenham. Marlborough Blues made 312 (Billy Mead 100) and then lost by 3 wickets off the penultimate ball. Eton Ramblers posted the day’s highest total of 378-8 (Ed Farley 106) and Old Alleynians were 91-1 off 20 overs when rain ended the game, Eton winning on run rate. Eton now play Shrewsbury Saracens who made 337-5 at Sherborne (Ben Williams 104*, J. Crawley 87) and then bowled out Sherborne Pilgrims for 243.

Uppingham Rovers had a good win at Rugby, Harry Funnel making a rapid 90 as the Rovers chased down 154 in only 22 overs. They now play Old Cliftonians , for whom Ollie Meadows made 90 in their total of 247 in 35 overs of a rain interrupted game.. Old Amplefordians could only make 91 in reply. The veteran Mark Hardinges made a rapid 92 for Old Malvernians who beat Old Hurst Johnians by 90 runs. Their opponents will be Old Wykehamists who beat Downside Wanderers by 4 wickets on a ‘raging turner’ at Winchester.

In the bottom quarter Oundle Rovers were grateful to Greg Smith’s 90 as they beat Radley Rangers by only 27 runs. Their opponents will be St Edward’s Martyrs who also made over 300 and then won on net run rate against Old Cholmelians for whom Jamie Whybrow made a gallant 80 out of his team’s total of 139-9. Old Wellingtonians won easily at Eastbourne, bowling out the home side for 97. L.Barron had the day’s best bowling figures for Eastbourne of 6-35. Their opponents will be Repton Pilgrims who easily beat old Brightonians at Repton.

Second Round Draw (Sunday 25 June)

Bradfield Waifs v Stowe Templars

Old Tonbridgians v Old Bedfordians

Old Millfieldians v Old Cheltonians

Eton Ramblers v Shrewsbury Saracens

Uppingham Rovers v Old Cliftonians

Old Malvernians v Old Wykehamists

Oundle Rovers v St Edweard’s Martyrs

Old Wellingtonians v Repton Pilgrims

Julian O’Riordan (left) of Old Tomnbridgians receives his Nicholson Gin MOTM from Hugo Snape