Crickets and Frilsham set for Vic French Cup showdown

THE Crickets hosted Aldbourne Royals in their final Newbury Sunday League game of the season.

But it was one to forget for the hosts, as Aldbourne ran out 4-1 winners to wrap up the league season.

The Crickets had to make use of an emergency goalkeeper, as Jack MacGowan stepped up between the sticks.

All the goals came in the first half, as Ben Townsend scored for the hosts while also putting one in his own net.

The result means The Crickets finish eighth in their debut season, while fellow newcomers Aldbourne have exceeded expectations.

Good form has seen them finish fifth, the best of all the debuting sides.

This Sunday will bring a huge opportunity for two of those sides, as The Crickets and Frilsham face off in the Vic French Cup final.

The final will be held at Lambourn Sports Club on Sunday, 10.30am kick-off.

“Vic French was a player who moved down from London just after the war,” explained league chairman Bill Fry.

“He played for West Ham United, as well as Midgham, Thatcham and Newbury in the Fifties.

“He unfortunately died early in his life, and the family decided to dedicate a trophy in his memory when the league started.

“Initially there were only two cups, the Knockout and the Vic French.”

Both sides have a chance to put their name on the trophy, although Fry also explained how The Crickets have a historical connection with the cup.

“It’s a good advert for the league,” he said. “Anybody has a chance of getting to the final.

“The Crickets’ name does appear as a previous winner.

“They had a team back in the Nineties, and they won it in 93/94. They were also finalists in 97/98.”

Both sides will be looking to make their mark and cap a busy season with a win on Sunday.