Neyland Cricket Club will play arguably the biggest match in a long and distinguished history on Sunday as they play host to Alvanley in the semi-final of the National Village Cup, where the prize for the winners is the chance to play in the final on the hallowed pitch at Lord's.
To reach this stage Sean Hannon and his team have had to travel widely, particularly in the last two rounds as they beat Clipstone & Bilsthorp and then South Wingfield, with respective round trips of 420 and 502 miles after playing tough league matches on the Saturday before.
Surprise winners in previous round
So now they have the luxury of a home tie against Alvanley, who play in the Cheshire County Cricket League Division Two and who beat Houghton Main in the previous round after being removed from the competition (somewhat unjustly!) but then reinstated to play at Houghton Main.
It was a somewhat low-scoring affair as Alvanley elected to bat and mustered 128 all out, of which skipper Mike Rowlands opened with 42, plus 35 not out by Andy Bennion – and then bowled out Houghton Main for 100 thanks to excellent spells from Chris Charles (3 for 7 in 7 overs), Stephen Charles (2 for 24) and Lee Ainsworth (4 for 18).
Warm welcome planned, on and the pitch
It is typical of Neyland Crickey Club that they intend giving Alvanley a warm welcome, not only on the field but off it as well – and they have received excellent support from the community, with Mayor Simon Hancock in attendance.
The match sponsors are the club’s president Kenny Edwards, another former player in Stuart Watts, plus ex-player and well-known local footballer Mike Beavis.
Teas are to be sponsored by Scott John, who could still hold a place in Neyland Cricket but will soon be off back to teach in Dubai.
The match ball sponsors are Kyla Rowland, Gerald & Pearl Slate, Alan & Veronica John, former player David Easton and Scott John.
Also in attendance are Live Sport FM, who will be providing live commentary of the match, and cricket lovers in the community of Neyland and beyond who will be hoping for an historic Neyland victory!
