DUMBLETON are “raring to go” as they bid on Sunday to become the first Gloucestershire side to win the Voneus Village Cup.
Frocester (1993), Apperley (1998) and Rockhampton (2013) have all previously fought their way through to a dream day out at Lord’s only to suffer heartbreaking defeats.
But Dumbleton are ready to go one step further after enjoying a tremendous season which included narrowly missing promotion from WEPL’s Gloucestershire Division.
Dumbleton on their way to victory over Cropston. Image courtesy Philip Wilcox
Captain Rupert Salmon joined Dumbleton at the age of 13 some 17 summers ago and is relishing the chance to lead his side through the Long Room and then down the famous steps on to the grass at the home of cricket.
He said: “It’s great to finally get there … the club have entered every year since the inception of the cup (in 1972) so we’re all hugely excited to be at Lord’s.
“A large number of former players will be in the crowd cheering us on, and we also have three coach loads of supporters as well as plenty of people who are driving down under their own steam.”
Dumbleton, who will be facing holders Calmore Sports of Hampshire, have had to work incredibly hard to reach the final.
Five of their seven cup ties have been away from home, generating more than 700 miles of travel less than 24 hours after the vast majority of players have also represented their side in challenging WEPL matches.
Salmon added: “The players have had to show a lot of commitment to get us this far, and we’re grateful for tremendous support from the club committee and sponsors. We’re raring to go.”
Dumbleton were beaten quarter-finalists in 2020 and suffered an eight-run semi-final defeat in 2011 against Rottingdean
Salmon added: “That 2011 defeat was particularly hard to take. Some of us in the team played in that match so it’s good to get that monkey off our backs.”
All-rounder Ross Martin will be a key figure for Dumbleton. Image courtesy Philip Wilcox
This year’s run began with a a six-wicket win over Astwood Bank before Dumbleton edged a tight encounter with Bretforton by nine runs and then overcame Hagley by 10 wickets to capture the Worcestershire title.
Routine victories over Weekley & Warkton (eight wickets), Milford Hall (seven wickets), and Cropston (122 runs) followed before a 70-run success over high-flying debutants Rainford carried them into the final.
Anyone thinking of going to Lord’s on Sunday must purchase tickets online ahead of the game. They will not be available at the ground or on the door. An adult ticket costs £15, an over 65 ticket is priced at £7.50 while under-16s will be charged £5.
For further details, visit: https://bit.ly/3RLYLDl
A live stream will be available on the Voneus Village Cup website and The Cricketer’s You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheCricketerMagazine
And Live Sports FM will provide ball-by-ball commentary here: http://livesportsfm.co.uk/player.aspx
Dumbleton: Rupert Salmon (c), Dan Holland, Ross Martin, Tommy Boorman, Myles Holland, Adam Stuart, Scott Tremain, Aaron Tomson, Jamie Diamond, Ollie Horne, Will Sharp. 12th man: Tom Green. Travelling reserves: Craig Baldwin, Finn Brabham, Nick Schubach, Ryan Kilmister.