Nicholson Cricketer Cup Semi-Finals

The final of the Nicholson Cricketer Cup will be between Bradfield Waifs and Old Tonbridgians. In two relatively low-scoring semi-finals on tired and tricky school wickets, it was the two away sides who triumphed.

At Charterhouse the Friars won the toss and batted but were never able to escape the shackles imposed by the Bradfield spinners. At 30 overs they were 81-5, with their best player, Ollie Batchelor, out for 51. Ben Jeffrey also made 55 off 106 balls but the Friars could only make 168-9 off their 50 overs. The spinners - Charlie Gwynn, Ollie Birts and Monty McKenzie shared 7 wickets between them in 27 overs at a cost of 78 runs. In reply Joe Sheldon and Hugo Darby put on an opening stand of 109, Darby going on to 65. Although 3 wickets then fell quickly, Crofton Keyes and Jack Bransgrove shared an unbeaten stand of 37 to take the Waifs home.

At Haileybury Old Tonbridgians won the toss and batted. Again the wicket was not easy, but the innings was underpinned by a fine 82 not out from Anthony Bissett off only 97 balls. He shared a stand of 84 for the fifth wicket with Harry Bevan-Thomas who made 36 and Tonbridge reached 208-9 off their 50 overs. This was far too many for the Hermits, who lacked the services of Sam Billings. They lost wickets steadily, only J Timms with 38 not out threatening any kind of recovery. Sam Hadfield took 4-22 off 7 overs and Will Nolan 2-23.

The final between Bradfield Waifs and Old Tonbridgians is at Arundel Castle on Sunday 11 August., starting at 1130. All welcome with plenty of parking on the ground.

Haileybury Hermits v Old Tonbridgians. The Hermits had their best run in the Cricketer Cup for many years

Old Tonbridgian side at Haileybury (by permission Andy Nunn)