OLD Merchant Taylors’ are hoping to book a place in the semi-finals of the Cricketer Cup.
Taylors’ meet Old Tonbridgians on Sunday to vie for one of the last four spots after overcoming a stubborn Uppingham Rovers in the second round.
Led by captain Jawwad Rasheed, OMT will make a small number of changes from the side that beat Uppingham as they are boosted by the return of players from holiday and illness.
Manager Philip Newfield said: “We must maintain the momentum gained from our fine second-round victory at Uppingham, and play to a very high standard and level of intensity against very strong opponents in Sunday’s match at Tonbridge in order to progress further in the competition.”
Old Tonbridgians are top of the Cricketer Cup merit table having won the competition on no fewer than 14 occasions – more than any other team.
OMT have played Old Tonbridgians to date, winning twice and losing three times.
In 1996 OMT recorded a famous victory in Kent. Both teams scored 311 runs, but OMT claimed the win having lost only five wickets whereas Old Tonbridgians lost nine.
The winners of this Sunday’s quarter-final tie have been drawn away to Charterhouse Friars or Old Cheltonians in the semis on Sunday, July 28.
On Saturday, Old Merchant Taylors’ suffered an eight-wicket thrashing at the hands of Harefield IIs.
OMT were first to bat and managed to knock up 149. However, the Hares showed no mercy to finish on 151-2 and claim 20 points.
