Nicholson Cricketer Cup Final Preview

On Sunday 7 August, starting at 11.00 am, the 2022 Nicholson Cricketer Cup Final will be played at Arundel Castle between Bradfield Waifs and Old Millfieldians. Millfield are the holders after beating Oundle Rovers in the 2021 final. Bradfield last won the cup in 2005 but were finalists in 2014. They also won the cup in 1996 and 1997, and their winning captain of those years, Mark Nicholas, will be presenting the cup to the winners on Sunday.

Both sides are weakened by calls on their players from first class counties, minor counties and club cup competitions. Millfield only have five of the team which won at Arundel in 2021. They are captained this year by off-spinner Alisdair Easton. Opening bat Ed Wade has been in the runs in previous rounds and Nick Pang was the match-winner in last year’s final, as well as winning the Nicholson Man of the Match award in the quarter -final at Oundle. Harry and Charlie Ellison have both made important contributions this season, and they are the sons of Richard Ellison, England cricketer, former Millfield School master-in-charge of cricket, and Cricketer Cup winner with Old Tonbridgians. Jamie Baird is unavailable behind the stumps so there is a recall for Chris Hellings.

Bradfield look as though they will be missing Harry Came, who scored a century in the second round win over Eton Ramblers but now seems to have cemented a place in the Derbyshire side as opening bat.. They will also be missing the Gumbs brothers, Sheridon having guided them home with 92 not out in the semi-final at Cheltenham. On the other hand they have Imran Malik back, who scored 146 in the first round at Marlborough, alongside Hugo Darby who made 142 in the quarter-final at Lancing, so they should not be short of runs. Bradfield will be captained by Ollie Birts, a slow left-armer who has played for Berkshire. They will be buoyed by the presence of many of the Waifs side which won the Cricketer Cup in consecutive years in 1996 and 1997.

All will be welcome at Arundel for what will hopefully be a great day’s cricket, starting at 11.00 am.