Cricketer Cup Preview - 28 June

This coming Sunday sees not only the second round of the Cricketer Cup but also the semi-finals of the Over 50s Cricketer Cup.

In the main competition, the 16 clubs look well matched. In the top quarter Old Cliftonians, who are beginning to string together some excellent performances year on year, host the Charterhouse Friars. The winners of this match will host either Old Hamptonians, also a rising force, or Old Tonbridgians, top of the merit table and aways hard to beat.

In the second quarter, Felsted Robins come off a good win at OMTs to host Old Millfieldians, who only scraped through by one wicket in the first round at home. Oundle Rovers make the long journey to the south coast at Eastbourne, where there was a run fest in the first round.

In the third quarter, Marlborough Blues, after an impressive win at Repton, host Bradfield Waifs who beat Old Cranleighians despite not being at full strength. The winners of this tie will play Harrow Wanderers, who won by just one run against Sherborne Pilgrims, or Old Malvernians, who also scraped through by one wicket against Rugby Meteors.

Then in the bottom quarter, Eton Ramblers, coming off a sensational win at Shrewsbury, host Old Monmothians whose first round game ended in just twenty overs. Finally Radley Rangers, also an up-and-coming force under Jamie Dalrymple, take on old rivals Old Wellingtonians, who knocked the holders, Old Bedfordians.

In the Over 50s competition, Old Tonbridgians host Old Wellingtonians, with many old rivalries renewed, while Harrow Wanderers take on the holders, Bradfield Waifs. On the evidence of previous rounds, some of the players in this competition would not look out of place alongside the youngsters, but in both competitions so much will depend on availability and whether clubs can get out their best sides at a very busy time of year.

Harrow which hosts two Cricketer Cup games this weekend.