WORCESTERSHIRE League Premier Division outfit Astwood Bank start a journey this weekend which will hopefully end with an appearance at Lord’s – the spiritual home of English cricket.
The Bank are no strangers to the National Village Cup, having reached Lord’s in 2003 and narrowly missing out on last season’s showpiece final after falling to eventual runners-up Houghton Main in a thrilling semi-final.
Ahead of Sunday’s knockout opener at home to Exhall & Wixford, Bank have been boosted by agreeing a new club sponsorship with Arden Estate Agents.
Bank captain Pete Alexander, pictured at the front with James Cope from Arden Estate Agents, said: “What a week!
“We have a brand-new main sponsor in the form of Arden Estate Agents and we’ve been given an unexpected chance to go one better this year in the knockout. The lads are raring to go.”
Chairman Mark Brind has confirmed visitors are welcome to come along and support and the clubhouse bar will be open. There is plenty of space and all social distancing measures are in place.
For more details, visit http://www.thebankcc.com.
On Saturday, Astwood Bank made it three wins from three to sit at the summit of Worcestershire League Cup Group B with a crushing ten-wicket victory at Belbroughton.
Rob West (104no) and Tom Pedley (69no) compiled an unbeaten double century opening partnership in quick time to make light work of the hosts’ 201-4 off 40 overs as the visitors reached their target in just the 26th over.
A key game is next up this Saturday when Bank host joint leaders Pershore, who have also won all three matches.