The OB Cricket Club has reached the final of the Cricketer Cup for the first time, setting up a showdown against the Old Tonbridgians.
This is a longstanding school rivalry, as a two-day match has been played between the two schools every year since the Second World War, perhaps the longest-running two-day fixture in the English school cricket calendar. We’ve never previously reached a final of the Cricketer Cup, while Tonbridge sits at the top of the merit table but has lost the last two finals.
Having defeated Felsted, Haileybury, Sherborne, and Stowe on the way to the semi-final, we hosted the Old Cliftonians, who themselves had beaten Oundle, Eastbourne, and the Old Cranleighans.
Continuing our run of dominant performances, including two 10-wicket wins in earlier rounds, we faced a confident Cliftonian side. They won the toss and chose to bat, starting strongly with a 60-run opening stand. Their opener Ollie Meadows contributed 35, but wickets then fell steadily, and Clifton struggled to 160 all out in 47 overs. Shaylen Tomlinson-Patel (07-17) was the standout bowler, taking four wickets.
The Old Bedfordians responded with a commanding batting display, putting on 92 for the first wicket, effectively sealing the game. Zaid Faleel (16-23) scored 48, Charlie Thurston (07-14) 41, Patel 31, and Alex Wakely (96-07) who made nearly 7,000 first-class runs for Northants finished 22 not out as they cruised to victory by 7 wickets in just 29 overs.
The final will take place on Sunday, 10th August, at the picturesque Arundel Castle. Team captain Charlie Thurston is assembling a strong side, and we would love to see as many OBs as possible there to support the team. Please find details of when and where the match will take place below:
Date: Sunday 10th August
Time: 11.30am
Address: Arundel Castle, High Street, Arundel BN18 9LH
180 Not Out!
Cricket has been played at Bedford School on a variety of grounds since 1845. 180 Not Out, written by cricket aficionado Kevin Clement, captures the spirit of the game as nurtured within the School’s environment, highlighting a rich tapestry of personalities and memorable events.
The book is available from the school shop at NoLimitz, with all proceeds going directly back into the Bedford School Cricket Club. To buy a copy, please follow the link HERE.
