OFFICIALS are expecting another good crowd to watch the annual challenge match between the Gloucestershire County and Bristol & District leagues at Hawkesbury Upton on Saturday (12.30pm).
The two competitions went head-to-head at the village ground, just off the A46, 12 months ago in blazing sunshine.
And it is hoped a positive weather forecast will again encourage spectators to visit the John Hawkins Field and see whether the County League can complete their first win after being beaten in the two previous encounters, both by two wickets.
The host league will be led by George Bailey on his home ground, and also features Fred Bennett from their promotion-winning squad who are now preparing for life next summer in WEPL.
Also going up are Aston Ingham, who provide two players in Anthony James and Alex Gooding who have both enjoyed outstanding campaigns with bat and ball, along with Thornbury 2nds who supply Ani Sanat and Andy Weeks.
Bristol & District, meanwhile, will be led by the experienced Mark Sage, of Timsbury, with their line-up including four players from the Pak Bristolians squad which secured the runners-up slot and promotion back to WEPL after also winning the Tony Hitch Cup.
At stake in this 45-over clash is the Gloucestershire Cricket Foundation Cup.
Bristol & District League: Mark Sage (captain), Jon Strand (both Timsbury), Abdul Tabraiz, Taimour Warraich, Abdul Sami, Hashim Warraich (all Pak Bristolians), Fraser Caddick (Clevedon), Sam Williams, Mitch Want (both Cleeve), Charlie Mott (Portishead), Saqib Imran (Bristol Pakistanis).
Gloucestershire County League: George Bailey (captain), Fred Bennett (both Hawkesbury Upton), Alex Gooding, Anthony James (both Aston Ingham), Andy Weeks, Ani Sanat (both Thornbury), Archie Hackett, Declan Rugg (both Cirencester), Chris Job (Tetbury), Jack O’Connell (Lydney), Marcus Ridal (Apperley).
Umpires: Alan Payne, Matt Weeks.
Main image courtesy Mike Starling