Congratulations to the Bradfield Waifs who won the Nicholson’s Cricketer Cup final on Sunday the 7th of August at Arundel Castle playing against Old Millfieldians (who had beaten the Old Wellingtonians in the other semi-final). Bradfield Waifs 220 (46.2 overs) beat Old Millfieldians 80 (18.3 overs) by 140 runs. More details about the match on the 7th of August on the cricketer cup website https://www.thecricketercup.com/home 

After the tense semi-final win against Old Cheltonians at Cheltenham College, this was an outstanding result, particularly as the Semi-Final match had also turned out to be a thriller, after it started out looking like being over extremely quickly. Having lost the toss, pace bowler Olly Smithson took care of the Old Cheltonian top order, taking three of the four early wickets to fall following their decision to bat. With Cheltenham reeling at 27-4, through Smithson, Tom Ettridge and some neat work behind the stumps by the experienced keeper Craig Williams, the writer made the dash from Bradfield to the Cheltenham ground hoping to catch some of the action before it was all over. He should have known better, as the inevitable Cheltonian rally occurred, with a 5th wicket partnership worth 142 taking the score to something much more competitive.  That was before the spin of Charlie Gwynn and Monty Mackenzie helped bowl Cheltenham out for a substantially under par 221 off 47.2 overs. 

The Waifs reply was hit by the early loss of Duncan Irens, before Sheridon Gumbs and Hugo Darby accumulated sensibly, then gently accelerated, as the score moved through into the 70s. A good wicket, a quick outfield and slope, coupled with a short boundary on the pavilion side suggested that the Waifs would make short work of the relatively modest total. However, a shot too many from Hugo Darby saw him depart for 34 that then sparked a collective rush of blood from the middle order, to see the Waifs suddenly collapse to 100 for 5.  This left recent leaver Sheridon Gumbs looking increasingly isolated, as he passed his fifty without fuss playing well-judged, carpet cricket.  Sensible contributions from Tom Ettridge (31) and Monty McKenzie (34) complemented the mature and beautifully paced innings from Gumbs, whose chanceless 92 not out deservedly won him the Player of the Match award.

Congratulations to the Waifs on this milestone result in what has been an extraordinary year for Bradfield Sport. For more details on Arundel Castle and cricket there head to https://www.cricketatarundelcastle.co.uk/.