Right now we should be well into the 2020 Village Cup. We should be enjoying the away days and cursing the unreliable British weather. We should be dreaming of playing in a Lord’s final; gracing the hallowed turf and walking through the long room.
While the tournament’s delay is frustrating, it’s important to remember our beloved clubs. More than 300 of them have entered this year, the highest participation rate since 2014. Earlier this year, before the coronavirus pandemic began, we spoke to four clubs to learn more about their history and why they have entered the Village Cup.
Astwood Bank
While there are many new clubs participating in this year’s tournament, there are also those that have been involved since the very start. One such is Astwood Bank, a team who have always been competitive. The Worcestershire side have twice appeared at Lord’s, losing to three-time winners Troon in the inaugural final back in 1972.
Although they are still looking to win that elusive first title, “The Bank” – as they are affectionately known – are still in love with the famous, old tournament. “There’s a big attraction,” says honorary secretary Mike Yapp. “A lot of the village turn out for matches because of the thrill of the cup and the success we’ve had in the past. The players also really enjoy playing in it.”
It is no surprise the players enjoy playing in the Village Cup. They enjoyed a stellar run last year, making it all the way to the semi-finals. Despite their success, Yapp is not taking their position for granted as the Worcestershire region is littered with class. Exhall & Wixford reached the final in 2004 and Cookley won the title in 1977. “It’s all on the day,” he humbly admits.
Yet Yapp, though respective of the opposition, knows his team have plenty of quality. “We’ve got quite a settled team; our star players are still with us. Tom Underhill is probably our main batsman – if he comes off then we do well. But there are others, too. We aren’t a one-man team. Our captain Pete Alexander always wades in with big scores. When everyone is available, we have a strong side.”
This much is true. Underhill was the 10th highest run-scorer in the tournament last year with 293 at an average of 41.86, while Alexander chipped in with a century against Fillongley in the nationals. There’s also Dan Taylor, who picked up 15 wickets for them in their run to the semi-finals. Astwood Bank remain one of the strongest teams in the Village Cup and will take some beating when the Village Cup gets underway again – whether that will be this summer or in 2021.
We would like to thank our sponsors BOLA for their support of our National Village Cup Coverage. To find out more click here!
