From centuries in a losing cause to tailenders rescuing their side’s innings, there was no shortage of star turns in round six of the 2023 Voneus Village Cup. However, it’s Leeds & Broomfield’s Max Aitken who collects the player of the round award for his all-round performance against Redbourn.
Aitken made an immediate impact upon his introduction to the bowling attack, removing George Cutler (29 off 62) with just his second ball of the day.
He went on to pick up a further three wickets, including removing Dan Roe and Callum Moyle with consecutive deliveries, as Redbourn collapsed from 108 for 3 to 128 for 9, finishing with figures of 4 for 35.
However, not content with his bowling effort, Aitken scored an unbeaten 84 (79) at the top of the order to see his side to a comfortable six-wicket win with 10.3 overs to spare.
Voneus Village Cup player of the round
Preliminary round: Jonty Oliver (Hambledon)
Round one: Zak Rogers (Barrow)
Round two: Louis Storey (West Chiltington & Thakeham)
Round three: Joe Thompson (Congresbury)
Round four: Joe Joyce (Belhus)
Round five: Harry Flowers (Milford Hall)
Round six: Max Aitken (Leeds & Broomfield)
Aitken said: “We knew it’d be a tough game against a very good side, especially given that we were under strength with our captain missing.
“Huge credit has to go to Monte McCague who captained on the day and gave everyone involved the confidence to play the aggressive form of cricket that we all thrive under. I think that aggression, particularly with the bat, was the deciding factor on the day.
“Chasing a decent total, albeit on a very good wicket, the way that we did was hugely enjoyable and I can’t wait to get going again up in Norfolk in the quarter-finals.”
On July 16, Leeds & Broomfield will travel to Ashmanhaugh & Barton Wanderers.
Keep up to date with the Voneus Village Cup by following the competition on Twitter (@TheCricketerNVC) and Instagram (@villagecup)
