The Old Malvernian Cricket Club bowed out of the 2025 Beechbrook Capital Cricketer Cup in Round 2 after a nail-biting encounter against long-time rivals, the Old Tonbridgians. Despite a valiant effort and a match that went down to the final over, the OMs fell just four runs short in what was a classic contest between two of the competition’s most successful sides.
Played on Sunday 29th June under glorious sunshine on The Senior ground at Malvern College, the match really demonstrated the quality of Cricketer Cup cricket. The OTs won the toss and chose to bat on a dry wicket that promised to assist spin as the day progressed. The OMs, missing several key players including all seven of their county representatives, rose to the challenge with a spirited bowling and fielding display.
Tonbridge looked strong at 89-2 in the 19th over, but the OMs fought back with disciplined bowling from Josh Haynes (5.12-17) with 4-37, Mahaaz Ahmed (2.13-18) with 2-22, and Josh Dickenson (9.16-21) with 1-32, supported by sharp fielding. The OTs were eventually restricted to 206-9 from their 50 overs – a total that seemed well within reach.
The OM reply began confidently, with Josh Haynes and Freddie Wynn (7.10-15) laying a solid foundation. However, two untimely dismissals – both batters falling to aggressive shots while well set – shifted the momentum. Dan Holland (SH.15-20) and Alex Milton (5.10-14) continued the chase with composure, but controversial LBW decisions against both players at crucial moments left the OMs at 141-4, exposing a long tail.
Despite valiant efforts from Angus Catto (5.17-22), Liam Smith (5.10-15) and Mahaaz Ahmed, the OMs entered the final over needing eight runs with just one wicket in hand. Ultimately, they fell agonisingly short, finishing on 202-9.
While the result was disappointing, the day was a celebration of OM cricket. A large crowd of supporters, a superb buffet lunch and drinks, and the camaraderie of the Patrons Club all contributed to a memorable occasion. The match also highlighted the remarkable legacy of both clubs in the Cricketer Cup – between them, the OMs and OTs have lifted the trophy 27 times over the past 58 years.
OMCC President and Founder of the Patrons Club, Bryan Richardson (3.57-62) reflected: “It was a match we should have won, but cricket can be a cruel game. Despite the result, it was a splendid day, and the support from our members was truly heartening. With over 100 members now in the Patrons Club, the love for cricket at Malvern is stronger than ever.”
As the OMCC’s Cricketer Cup campaign concludes for this season, attention now turns to strengthening player availability and building on the club’s proud tradition. The future remains bright for OM cricket and long may it continue.
Find out more about the OM Cricket Club and the OM Gryphons.
