HAWKESBURY Upton are to play host to a rematch between the Gloucestershire County and Bristol & District leagues on Saturday September 9 .
The two competitions met in a special challenge game in 2019, Bristol & District emerging two-wicket winners at Chipping Sodbury.
Covid and the disruption that followed in its wake put paid to hopes of the match becoming an annual event, but the two leagues are now determined to re-establish the clash on the cricketing calendar.
Tom Stevens, the chairman of the AMS Gloucestershire County League, said: “We’re really pleased that we’ve been able to get the game back on.
“We’re very grateful to Hawkesbury for offering to host the match at their beautiful ground.
“It has already generated plenty of interest, on and off the field, and means there’s a little something extra for players to play for heading into the final stage of the season as our selectors keep an eye on performances throughout the league.”
John Peplow, his counterpart at the Martin Berrill Sports Bristol & District League, added: “It’s great news.
“We put out representatives teams a couple of times a year, and usually they’re very friendly affairs to mark a club’s landmark or celebrate an anniversary.
“There will be a bit more of a competitive edge to this match as we’re determined to hold on the trophy John Colley, of Golden Hill, lifted back in 2019!”
On that day, the County League reached 199-8 off 45, Lydney’s Mike Toolis top scoring on 53 as Chris Phillips claimed 5-40 from seven overs of leg spin.
Action from the 2019 inter-league clash, image courtesy Brian Rossiter
Phillips then followed up with a crucial 43 before Shirehampton’s John Stilwell smashed a straight six to seal the spoils with eight balls to spare.
Main image of Hawkesbury Upton CC courtesy Mike Starling