Breweries Cup will soon be 125 not out

THE new cricket season will see the 125th anniversary of the Breweries Cup, which will again be sponsored by Marston’s in 2019.

It is a competition which dates back to 1894, when it was won by Salt & Co, and has been a feature of the summer in the county ever since.

Now played in the T20 format, all 14 clubs who took part last year have entered again, along with Hammerwich and Tamworth.

Rolleston, who retained the trophy last year by beating Whittington in the final, will look to defend their title again but will face strong competition from Derbyshire County League Premier Division champions Ticknall, among others.

Tamworth, of the Birmingham & District Premier League, and Lichfield, Hammerwich and Whittington, who all play in the South Staffordshire County League Premier Division, are also likely to challenge.

Finals day will be held at Alrewas CC on Sunday, August 18.

The first round draw is: Abbots Bromley v Trentside, Winshill v Ticknall, Barton-under-Needwood v Alrewas, Tamworth v Tutbury, Hammerwich v Rolleston, Whittington v Lichfield, Uttoxeter v Lullington Park, Burton v Dunstall.

Dates for the first two rounds are to be agreed between the two participating clubs but the first round must be completed by June 30 and the second round by July 31.

The Breweries Cup also generates money for local charities and last season’s competition raised £500, which was shared between the Burton & District YMCA and Rolleston Pre-School & Toddlers Group.