Following Oundle Rovers CC’s friendly home-oriented draw and fourth semi-final in five years in 2023, the draw-gods were less kind at the Cricketer Cup AGM on 20 November. The Rovers will have to travel to Eton in the bye round on May 19 and if successful will likely have to overcome Radley, Millfield and Tonbridge if they are to reach another semi-final. The Rovers lost to last year’s winners, Malvern, by the narrowest of margins (1 wicket) in a superb semi-final last July and the squad will be raring to go again against the Eton Ramblers. The side will again be captained by Greg Smith (St A 07) and a squad will be announced in the New Year.

The Cricketer Cup continues to be sponsored by Nicholson Gin and will be in its 58th year. The Rovers remain the third most successful side in the history of the competition having completed their 100th victory during the 2023 successful campaign. The Rovers’ merit table position remains well ahead of all of the schools on Oundle’s traditional school cricket fixture list.

The full Cricketer Cup draw plus the Rovers’ all-time competition records, individual statistics and scorecards can be found at www.thecricketercup.com