ON SUNDAY 9th August, in a thrilling final, the Old Monmothians cricket team (past pupils from Monmouth School) defeated Old Hurst Jonians (Hurstpierpoint College, Sussex) by 191 runs to win The Cricketer Trophy at Gerrards Cross CC, Buckinghamshire.

The trophy tournament was formed in 2011 by the organisers of the renowned Cricketer Cup in an effort to expand participation, increase competition and ultimately raise standards. In time, teams that are successful in The Cricketer Trophy will push for a place in the main cup competition.

In 2013 and 2014, the Old Monmothians went out in the first round to the respective winners Lancing Rovers (Lancing College, Sussex) and Old Millfieldians (Millfield School). Old Millfieldians were the opposition at Monmouth in the quarter finals and the Old Monmothians romped to victory, chasing down 217 for the loss of just three wickets with 14 overs to spare. Oliver James, the star all-rounder took five for 26 from his 10 overs and saw his side home with 52 not out supported admirably by the powerful hitter, Jon Denning (69 not out). An away leg to the capital awaited the OMs in the semi-final as they faced Old Westminsters (Westminster School). Again the Club chased down the target of 143 in positive fashion on a difficult wicket losing 4 wickets in the process with 20 overs remaining to advance to the final against Old Hurst Jonians at Gerrards Cross CC being a neutral venue.

Hurst won the toss and rather surprisingly elected to bowl first on what was a very warm day in Buckinghamshire. The OMs proceeded to pile the runs on with Glamorgan professional Jeremy Lawlor top scoring with a classy, and at times, belligerent 78. Jon Denning continued his fine form with the bat, smashing 76 off 52 balls including nine boundary 4s and two 6s and again Oli James reaffirmed his quality with a silky 67. After 49.3 overs, the Old Monmothians had posted an intimidating target of 322 all out. In reply, Hurst always struggled to keep up with the rate as opening bowlers, Jon Denning and Andrew Leering, bagged two wickets a piece and it was down to the wily left arm spin of Gabriel Warwick to finish the opposition off as he finished with 4 for 33. Old Hurst Jonians were bowled out for 131 in 33.5 overs which saw the Old Monmothians home by 191 runs – winning The Cricketer Trophy for the first time.