Best-placed teams set for Julian Cup semi-finals as group phase nears conclusion

With the group stages to be completed by tonight's match between Littlewick Green and Maidenhead & Bray (Thursday), the semi-final line-up for this season's Julian Cup t20 competition is now fixed up.

Taplow were the big movers this week as they defeated Pinkneys Green by four wickets last night (Wednesday) to leap up from fifth to second to claim one of the semi-final spots.

This evening's game between Littlewick Green and Maidenhead & Bray is unlikely to have any impact on the four sides progressing to the semi-finals so, it looks very much like Boyne Hill will host White Waltham and Maidenhead & Bray will entertain Taplow in next Wednesday's matches.

If the weather is poor next Wednesday, a reserve night for the semi-finals is scheduled for the following evening, Thursday, July 4.

The final of the competition will take place at Boyne Hill Cricket Club on Tuesday, July 9.

The pool matches have been running since mid-to-late May, and - barring the odd cancellation because of poor weather - the competition has once again been a huge success with most of the scheduled matches taking place and being competitive.

This summer teams playing at a higher level than Division 3 of the Thames Valley League - except for under 18s players - haven't been able to take part in the main Julian Cup competition. It has meant the first teams of dominant clubs like Stoke Green and Burnham - and Home Counties teams like Slough - haven't been able to take part.

Some of these teams have dominated the Julian Cup scene in recent years and this has led to obvious mismatches and other matches being forfeited.

In their place, 10 teams with younger, less experienced players have competed in two pools - gaining valuable experience.

Boyne Hill have topped group one with six points, with Taplow in second on four points following Wednesday's win over Pinkneys Green.

Green drop to third with three points and Marlow and Burnham are fourth and fifth respectively.

The leaders Boyne Hill have won all their matches, against Marlow, Taplow and Pinkneys Green.

On the other side of the draw, Maidenhead & Bray and White Waltham lead the way in first and second - both on six points, however, Bray has a significant net run rate advantage over the second placed side.

Today's game is unlikely to affect the order of the group. Maidenhead & Bray can only strengthen their hold on first place while Littlewick Green currently sit bottom after losing both of their matches and cannot dislodge one of the top two.

Bray have so far won all their fixtures against Marlow Park, White Waltham and Wooburn Narkovians.

Spectators are encouraged to come along and support the teams in the semi-finals and final, even if their own team hasn't reached the knockout stages.

Finally, as part of the 100-year anniversary celebrations of the Julian Cup, there are plans for this summer's winning team to take on a Julian Cup Legends/representative XI to mark the milestone, with that match likely to take place on the August bank holiday (Monday, August 26). The details will be confirmed by the competition organisers in the coming weeks.

For more information and scorecards from this summer's competition click here.