Beechbrook Capital Cricketer Cup Final Sunday 9 August 1130 start

The final of the Beechbrook Capital Cricketer Cup will be played at Arundel Castle on Sunday between Old Cliftonians and Old Malvernians. The 50-over per side match starts at 1130 and all are welcome. Whereas Old Malvernians have been regular visitors to the final, last winning the cup in 2023, Old Cliftonians have not been in a final since they lost to Old Tonbridgians at the Westminster School ground in 1994, having beaten the same opponents to win the cup for the only time the previous year.

Clifton are reliant on a proven pair of openers in Ollie Meadows and Jonny Sadler, who rarely fail to give them a good start. In this year’s competition, they have had stands of 132, 152, 84 and 40, Sadler made a not out century against Charterhouse and a vital 73 not out in the semi-final, while Meadows has scores of 77, 84, 52 and 24. Sadler has also taken useful wickets, although Clifton have struggled to bowl sides out. Ahmed Syed took 5-33 against Millfield in the semi-final, and Ryan Kilmister has also taken useful wickets.

Malvern have great experience with many of the players who won the cup in 2023 appearing again. Fred Wynn made a century in that final and he and Alex Milton have made major contributions this year. Milton, who also keeps wicket, is certainly in the top five of batsmen still playing in the Cricketer Cup and he paced Malvern’s winning chase in the semi-final to perfection. Josh Haynes, who plays for Hornsey in the Middlesex Premier League, is an experienced captain and opening bat. They might also struggle to take wickets, although Angus Catto bowled really well to contain Wellington in the semi-final.

Many of the players on both sides play in the West of England Premier League for various clubs.

Sponsor Paul Shea of Beechbrook Capital will be there on Sunday for what will hopefully be a great cricket occasion with a large crowd. Hope to see as many of you as possible there.

Old Cliftonians’ side in the semi-final