Away at Eton in 2011 Cricketer Cup

We have been drawn to play Old Etonians at Eton in the first round of the 2011 Cricketer Cup on Sunday, June 12. If we win that then we are again away in the second round at either Wellington or Stowe on June 26. For the full draw, click here.

There are two new sides in the 2011 competition, with Old Eastbournians, who have enjoyed considerable success in the Cricket World Trophy, and Old Bedfordians replacing Lancing Rovers and Old Westminsters. The decision of the committee to make changes was largely influenced by the success of the Old Cranleighans when we were brought in to the tournament in 2007.

Old Westminsters were one of the 16 founder members in 1967 but have by some way the worst record, with only seven wins in 44 years. Lancing, who joined in 1969, have fared slightly better with 19 wins in 42 years but they failed to raise an XI for their first-round tie at Oundle this season.

For Lancing, traditionally one of our strongest opponents, it is a sign of how the school’s cricketing fortunes have slipped. Between 1963 and 1984 we never once beat them, and our in at the end of the 1984 cricket week, completing our ninth straight victory, was considered the highlight of the season and an indication of the strength of our side.

At the final on Sunday, Old Malvernians, who beat us in the first round, defeated Oundle Rovers by 73 runs to take the title for the seventh time. Here is the report from the Cricketer Cup site.
“Oundle won the toss and asked Malvern to bat, The wicket was damped and there was every indication that the ball would seam and swing. And so it proved as The Old Malvernians soon found themselves at 12-3 with Patrick Foster (3-33) making the early breakthroughs. Rebuilding was required and this came in the shape of Mark Hardinges (43) and Will Gifford (49). With 5 wickets down pundists around the ground were thinking that 180 would be the most Malvern could expect but David Nash (55 not out) and Jonny Cartwright (35 off 18 balls) had other ideas andtogether they took the score to a more than respectable 209.

“In reply Oundle started briskly but the loss of Craig Smith was a big blow and besides Cameron Wake (41) noone seemed to relish the challenge. Tight bowling from Jonathan Ashworth (3-18 and Olly Griffiths (2-11 in 8 overs) put an and to any fightback and Old Malvernians in the end ran out easy winners.

“After the horrific downpours on Saturday we were lucky to get a game in and our thanks to the Shenley groundstaff for their efforts to get the game on. In the end the sun shone and we look forward to returning in 2011.”