Woolpit’s victorious XI from their Cawston Press Village Cup last 16 win over Chorleywood
Suffolk club Woolpit are preparing for one of the biggest days in their history as they prepare to welcome Surrey’s Blackheath in this Sunday’s Village Cup quarter-final.
It is the second time in three years Woolpit have reached a Village Cup quarter-final, at least equalling their best place in a tournament they first entered in 1972, the year the competition was founded.
Doubling the sense of occasion this Sunday, Woolpit’s women’s 1st XI will playing their own national quarter-final at the same time; they host Warwickshire club Dorridge in the ECB Women’s Club T20 on the ground’s second square.
“It’s going to be one of the biggest days in the club’s history,” said Woolpit secretary Gerry Artindale.
“We’ve had a few people sign up for social memberships this week.
“Hopefully, Blackheath are bringing a fair number of supporters too.”
Artindale himself is familiar with Blackheath’s home county, although he has never crossed paths with the club before; he used to play in the Surrey Championship, while they compete in the l’Anson Cup (which also features teams from parts of Hampshire and Sussex).
“Our view is ‘don’t underestimate them,’” he said of this Sunday’s opponents.
“You don’t win the Surrey group as often as do without having something about you.”
In the 2024 quarter-final, Woolpit lost out to eventual champions Foxton Granta in a game played at Stowmarket due to Suffolk’s county showcase match against Essex being held at their ground on the same day.
“It would be nice to win it this time and get past this round,” said Artindale.
“We’ve got Lord’s in our sights, if we can do it.”
